LAWNS AND HOW TO MAKE THEM. 



The term " lawn," as generally understood, is applied to a 

 grass-covered plot of ground, usually in the neighborhood of a 

 dwelling or other building, kept smooth and clean by continuous 

 care and close mowing. In more than one sense the lawn is an 

 essential part of any well-kept estate; but its chief service is, 

 together with its attendant trees and shrubs, as a setting for the 

 more individual features it may surround. 



The first matter to be considered in preparing a lawn is the 

 grading. The contour should be such that no hollows allow the 

 retention of water during spring " thaws; " yet no opportunity 

 for erosion, due to excessive slope or concentrated drainage, 

 should be allowed. It may be here suggested that a slightly con- 

 caved surface adds to the apparent extent of a plot a point 

 that frequently is taken advantage of in grading between a 

 house and the street upon which it fronts when the actual dis- 

 tance is short. The matter of drainage must, however, receive 

 careful consideration when this method is attempted. 



Very rarely is under-draining necessary, except in unusually 

 heavy or clayey soil; when employed, lines of three-inch tiles 

 should be laid fifteen feet apart, and from two and one-half to 

 three feet below the surface. 



In uneven ground, when the leveling or lowering of the sur- 

 face is necessary, the top-soil, if it is loam of any value, should 

 be laid aside, and the subsoil removed to the required depth, 

 after which the loam may be replaced and graded evenly. For a 

 vigorous and permanent greensward, from eight to ten inches 

 of loam are required. The latter should be enriched with an abun- 

 dance of well-rotted stable manure applied at the rate of eight 

 cords to the acre, which when spread evenly gives a depth of two 

 or three inches. This should be thoroughly worked into the soil 

 by plowing or spading, to a depth of eight inches or more ; stones 

 and coarse sods and weeds must be removed by harrowing or 



