198 The Lawn. 



light soils, the subsoil-plough might be substituted, trenching would be 

 most effectual, and no doubt produce more satisfactory results. Before 

 commencing either of these operations, a liberal supply of manure should 

 be carted on, say from four to eight cords to the acre, of the best manure 

 from the yard, according to the quality and previous treatment of the soil. 

 This manure is to be spread only as it is dug in ; and we would add from 

 three to five hundred pounds of plaster of Paris at the time of the appli- 

 cation, so as to be trenched or ploughed in together. Begin now at one 

 side of the proposed lawn, and open a trench about two feet wide and 

 fifteen inches deep, throwing the earth taken out into carts or wheelbarrows, 

 to be removed to the opposite side of the lawn, and deposited alongside 

 the last trench to be dug. It will be needed to fill up that trench when it 

 is reached. Then open another trench alongside of the first, of the same 

 width and depth, throwing the earth into the first trench, and at the same 

 time mixing it well with manure and plaster ; and so continue through the 

 whole lawn. If there are stones of any considerable size, leave them upon 

 the surface to be removed. If there are coarse bits of earth, sods, corn- 

 stumps, or any similar substances, they may be covered in the trenches, so 

 that the six inches of surface-soil may be light, free, and open. 



If the soil on which this operation is perforaied is heavy, the stable ma- 

 nure used may be coarse and undecayed. It will improve the mechanical 

 condition of the soil, and .serve to keep it light and open. If, on the other 

 hand, it is gravelly and free, we should prefer fine manure. The operation 

 of trenching, properly performed, has left the surface smooth and even ; 

 the coarse lumps of earth of every description having been buried deeply 

 in the trenchfes. Some manure is now wanted near the surface in order 

 to give the grass a rapid start, and to promote the growth of the tender 

 roots. We may take good Peruvian guano, spread on uniformly at the rate 

 of about two hundred pounds to the acre, or good superphosphate of lime 

 at the same rate, to be immediately harrowed in. Either of these articles 

 should be mixed with an equal amount of plaster of Paris. They may be 

 spread and worked in with the grass-seed if it is preferred ; but it is better, 

 perhaps, to work them in first. These operations may be performed, and 

 the manure applied, as early as the ground is fit to work in the spring. 



The land is now ready for the seed ; and it is important to secure the 



