SLanbscape Hrcbttecture 



wait for a dry day. By the end of October the most 

 beautiful green will already cover the new meadows. 

 The next year they should be mown quite early, in 

 order to obtain an even growth, but the seed should 

 be allowed to ripen and fall to the ground, thus secur- 

 ing a greater density of turf for the following year. 

 Nothing more is now necessary but to roll it well 

 every year after each mowing, and every three or 

 four years, as may be required, to fertilize it plenti- 

 fully with a compost of field soil and muck, or with 

 the manure from the place from which it can be 

 easiest secured. In this manner on light rye soil, 

 and to the surprise of many landowners, I have pro- 

 duced the most luxurious meadow, which, instead 

 of giving out in ten years as was prophesied, steadily 

 improved, and from a pecuniary point of view has 

 proved quite a good investment, as in four years the 

 capital spent on it has been repaid.'* 1 



One important feature of the grass spaces of the 

 estate or park that should be carefully looked after is 

 the degree to which- it is mown or cut. Like the twigs 

 or ends of the branches of trees and shrubs the charm 

 of the blades of grass lies in their growing tips. They 

 lend grace and life to the surface of grassy spaces. By 

 skilful use of the scythe or the proper adjustment of 

 the mowing-machine this object can be to a certain 

 degree obtained, and it is a good idea to allow the grass 

 in secluded nooks, especially on estates where there is 



1 Hints on Landscape Gardening, Prince Piickler, chapter vi. 



