IN THE BEGINNING 



called Sheep's Fescue. Now, Sheep's Fescue 

 is rather a fine grass which grows in a compact 

 tuft, and in growing, its roots work up high in 

 the centre of this tuft ; then, when the lawn-mower 

 passes, it cuts down into the roots in the centre, 

 leaving an ugly, dead, brown spot. It may be 

 that this species of grass is looked upon with 

 approval by sheep, as is suggested by its name, 

 but no animal with a higher degree of intelligence 

 than a sheep would sow such seed on a lawn. 

 Of late years I have bought only pure seed of 

 a single variety, and have found Kentucky Blue- 

 grass the best. Red-top is also good and per- 

 fectly hardy. With either I mix Alsike Clover, 

 which has a beautiful effect on the lawn, and 

 gives a noticeable fragrance to the summer's 

 breeze. 



When we came to clear out the underbrush on 

 the island, we found innumerable small trees 

 everywhere. I insisted that the man with the 

 axe should leave one of these young trees stand- 

 ing within at least every ten feet, picking out 

 the best for saving, and in case of doubt, to leave 

 two untouched until I decided their fate myself 

 Of course, none of the large Birches were to be 

 cut at all. Our principal shade-tree, either 



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