88 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



plants in their requirements. P2ven willows do better on well 

 drained soils than when surrounded by stagnant water. The dif- 

 ference between well drained and undrained soils often determines 

 whether a plant is hardy in any given locality. 



TUE LAWN. 



A good lawn is the most essential element of beauty in any 

 grounds, and in these days of cheap lawn mowers there is really no 

 excuse for not having a neat lawu in front of the humblest dwells 

 ing. It is very little more work to leave the surface of the ground 

 smooth after the final grading about the buildings than it is to leave 

 it rough and uneven. Arrange if possible to have a few inches of 

 loam on the surface when the grading is completed. 



The best grasses for a lawn are Kentucky Blue Gra«s, Rhode Is- 

 land Beut, and Red Top, with a flight admixture of white clover 

 on heavy soils. Give thorough preparation to the soil, and sow the 

 seed very thickly — using three to five bushels per acre. Rake on 

 the seed lightly and roll. Keep the grass closely clipped wiih a 

 lawn mower durmg the summer. In this way only can the weeds 

 be kept down and a thick, velvety turf formed. A very good 

 machine may be procured for about six dollars. In the spring it is 

 well to rake off the dead leaves and roll the ground, but the prac- 

 tice of burning over the lawn is not to be commended. 



WHAT TO PLANT AND HOW. 



The selection of trees and shrubs for planting is always perplex- 

 ing. A few general principles may aid in solving the question. 

 First of all, — do not attempt too much. Grounds that are crowded, 

 > even though the plants of themselves may be choice, have the appear- 

 ance of an overdressed person. 



Do not discard native plants because they are common. The 

 Beeches, Maples and Elms, the Viburnums and Dogwoods, and the 

 Rhododendrons and Kalmias are unsurpassed in their respective 

 classes. 



Do not invest freely in untried things. If you have enterprising 

 and experienced neighbors, consult with them. Otherwise, corre- 

 spond with some reliable nursery firm, or with some person in 

 whose judgment you have confidence, for advice in specific 

 instances. It is usually safer to deal directly with some reliable 

 firm than to place your order with an agent. As a rule, you will 



