( wxA DiA X lion ricuL run 1ST. 



" si>1!I\<;huust. 



In tlie accouipanying illustration, 

 which represents the grounds of 

 Frederick (Joodridge, Esq , at River- 

 dale on the Hudson, it is evident that 

 the beauty of the picture consists more 

 in the surroundings than in the house 

 itself, which is a plain, scjuare building^ 

 with very little apparent arcliitectural 

 embellishment. The well kept lawn, 

 the natural curves of the carriage way, 

 the appropriate trees and shrubs, all 

 combine in giving " Springhurst " a 

 character of grace and elegance, 

 which would otherwise be entirely 

 wanting. 



In a large yard, like the one under 



consideration, the greater part of the 

 preparatory work may be done with the 

 plow and scraper, using also the spirit 

 level for gauging it to a horizontal line, 

 unless natural slopes have to be followed 

 in parts. This should have been careful- 

 ly performed in the fall, as well as the 

 draining and fertilizing. Then in 

 spring the finishing touches may be 

 given with the spade and rake, carefully 

 tilling any depressions caused by the 

 settling of the ground during the win- 

 ter ; and in April or May the seed 

 should be sown. 



Prof. La/.enby, of Ohio, recommends 

 the following as a good mixture of 



