22 2 Landscape Gardening 



the turf may be fine, and that it afterwards may be easy to 

 take it up and re-lay it should the levels from any cause get 

 disturbed. For these reasons it is injudicious to sow it 

 down with new grass seeds; for if it falls into holes or depres- 

 sions, it will be impossible to alter these under four or five 

 years, unless by the introduction of old turf in such parts. 



Croquet grounds are commonly laid out anywhere on an 

 established lawn wherever the company may wish to play. 

 Such pastimes, however, are of sufficient value to justify 

 more extension and thoughtful preparation. On private 

 grounds of any importance a special croquet ground may 

 appropriately be constructed; and this may become, not only 

 a source of amusement to the younger members of the family, 

 but in the hands of a skillful designer it may prove to be one 

 of the most ornamental features of the grounds. Croquet 

 grounds may be kept in grass, which is the preferable way 

 considered from the standpoint of ornament, or they may 

 be cleared and paved with gravel, brown earth, or even with 

 cement. Such paving of course makes it possible to develop 

 a higher degree of skill in playing, while if properly managed 

 such a croquet court may still combine effectively with the 

 general design of the garden. 



Tennis courts are to be treated in substantially the same 

 manner. They should be carefully placed with reference to 

 the other parts of the grounds so as to assist instead of break- 

 ing in upon the garden design. Back stops may be clothed 

 with pretty climbers, or may be backed up with masses of 

 fine shrubbery or evergreens. In some cases the tennis court 

 may be laid out on an ordinary level, mowed lawn; but as a 

 grass court has little value for playing the game it is usually 

 necessary to have the court paved with cinders or burnt 

 earth. Cement has been used in some cases but it is not 

 agreeable to the players. 



