

357 



no signs of discomfort. It is naturalised and acclimatised, so to say, 

 from the first. 



The suburbanist who sets out to make a grass plot should fix 

 two things in his mind as absolutely essential to success: the 

 first is a level, fine bed of soil ; the second, pure seed of a specially 

 prepared mixture. He should dig the ground over in winter, and 

 throw the soil into lumps, letting it lie thus for a few weeks; 

 then, in favourable weather towards 

 the end of March or in the early 

 part of April, it will crumble down 

 beautifully into fine particles, and 

 can be raked perfectly smooth and 

 level. It should be made firm during 

 the levelling process, as if loose it 

 may sink in parts later on, thus 

 giving an uneven sward. 



Turning to the seed, it is advis- 

 able to buy it from one of the large 

 seedsmen who make a speciality of 

 lawn grasses. The names of such 

 firms will be quite familiar as ex- 

 hibitors at the great popular exhibi- 

 tions. It has to be remembered that 

 there are many different kinds of grasses, although amateurs often 

 speak as though grass were always the same. Some kinds are 

 much stronger than others. It is partly because country turf is 

 largely composed of fine varieties that it does not thrive near 

 towns. If the soil and the district are described when the order 

 is sent, and a mixture suitable for somewhat adverse conditions is 

 asked for, the experience of the big seedsman, who is daily pre- 

 paring mixtures for different purposes, will enable him to provide 

 a satisfactory blend. One pound of seed per square rod will be 

 ample. It is well to choose a still day in the first half of April 





A LAWN FROM SBID 



A, ground levelled ; B, straight-edge and spirit 

 level resting on pegs ; C, space to be filled 

 up ; D, D, a portion of plot duly sown ; E, 

 a portion not sown. For convenience of 

 sowing, the plot is marked out in 3 ft. strips. 



