14 BOOK OF THE COTTAGE GARDEN 



assign a reason for the uneven, patchy appearance of the 

 turf. The explanation is this : Grass varies in colour 

 and texture as it grows on heavy or light soil ; an almost 

 insignificant excess of clay will produce a perceptible 

 difference in the character of the turf. It therefore 

 follows that if one part of the ground is surfaced with 

 natural top-soil whose removal has laid bare the subsoil 

 in another, the lawn grasses will speedily index the 

 diversity of the ground in which the roots are feeding. 

 This is a point worth considering, especially as it is one 

 often overlooked by " professionals." 



The best soil — a light, friable loam for preference — 

 should be spread over the surface, all lumps and irregu- 

 larities being carefully broken down. The lower layers 

 may consist of coarser and more retentive soil, mixing 

 manure and ballast, should such be needed, as the work 

 proceeds. When finished the ground should be trodden 

 closely and a perfectly level surface attained by the use 

 of guide pegs, straight edge, and spirit level. In laying 

 turf, allow half an inch between the joints, and settle 

 the whole by gentle beating with the turf-beater. If 

 the sods are higher in one place than another, they 

 should be lifted and the soil scraped away from under- 

 neath ; beating the turf flat causes the edges of the 

 adjoining sods to be pressed into contact, and in a short 

 time unsightly ridges appear. Fine, sifted soil should 

 now be spread over the grass, working it into the 

 hollows and crevices until a perfect surface has been 

 secured. After a few heavy rains have fallen, go care- 

 fully over the lawn and take out all weeds ; then give 

 another dressing of sifted soil to fill up the depressions 

 caused by subsidence. If the turf is not of the best, it 

 will be advisable to sow grass seed liberally in March. 

 During the first season roll the lawn frequently with a 

 light roller, and when cutting see that the knives of the 

 machine are not set too low. So much for turfing 



