486 THE PLEASURE GARDEN. [APR* 



the grave], and the larger they are allowed to grow, 

 the less effectual they become ; getting the more 

 open below, as they advance in height. Such also, 

 harbour snails, and other troublesome vermin. 



Of hoeing and dressing off the Shrubbry. 

 Let every part of the shrubbry be dressed off 

 now, if it have not been done, as directed in March; 

 which see. Shrubs of all kinds will now begin to 

 look gay and beautiful. This beauty may be very 

 much heightened, or depreciated, according to the 

 state in which the ground and walks are kept. 

 Weeds are no tissue of such beauty. Ground, neat- 

 ly and recently raked, serves as a foil to show it off 

 to advantage. 



Of mowing Grass Plats^ Walks, and Lawns. 



If the season be tolerably forward, it will be pro- 

 per, by the first of the month, to have grass walks 

 and edgings, lawns, or grass plats, that are usually 

 kept by the scythe, put in order. This used to form 

 a greater part of the labours of the gardener, than 

 it now does ; as much ground was formerly kept 

 by the scythe, that is now either pastured, or being 

 planted in shrubbry, is kept by the hoe. 



There are few places, however, where mowing is 

 not in practice, to a certain extent, and few garden- 

 ers that are not acquainted with the operation. 

 I shall not, therefore, enter into the minu- 

 tiae of the business, but briefly observe, that from 

 about this time till October, or perhaps November, 

 all pieces of grass that are wished to be kept short 



