PREPARATION OF THE LAND. 39 



after labor will be saved, for it is very difficult to trim up 

 the edges of a newly seeded lawn without destroying much 

 of the grass; and until the walk is completed and well 

 settled there is more or less danger that the outline will be 

 changed or edges defaced by passage over them. 



LAWN MADE OF TURF. 



Where fine, close turf composed of desirable grasses can 

 be obtained, if the area is not very extensive, this may be 

 the best way to establish a good lawn. It has the advantage 

 that it may be done with perfect success during the hottest 

 weather, or at any time when the ground can be worked. 

 The land should be as carefully levelled up and settled as 

 for seeding and be made equally rich if the best results 

 are desired, though a turf may be formed in this way on 

 very poor soil, but it will soon run out under such condi- 

 tions. In laying the turf it should be very firmly pounded 

 down and settled into the soft soil under it; otherwise it 

 soon dries up in times of drouth. If turf is not abundant, 

 it may be laid in strips one or two feet apart and the inter- 

 vening space be seeded, when the roots from these strips 

 will spread and a compact turf soon be formed over the 

 whole ground. 



Great care must be exercised on a newly seeded lawn that 

 it is not cut up or disfigured by walking over it or allowing 

 teams or animals on its surface. The lawn-mower should 

 not be allowed upon it until the turf has become sufficiently 

 firm to prevent the wheels from cutting in while turning 

 the corners. The first two or three cuttings should be done 

 with the hand-scythe or grass-hook. 



