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itanurhtg. 



To insure that fertility which is absolutely essential to 

 the propel- development of vegetation, it is necessary 

 that a sufficient quantity of fertilizing matter be added 

 to '"the soil. 



The soil of the Prospect Park contains an excess of 

 clay, and this clay contains an excess of moisture, the 

 consequence of which is, that in damp weather it is 

 formed into a tenacious paste, from which the water will 

 neither evaporate nor drain off. In dry weather it bakes, 

 becoming an almost solid substance, through which 

 the roots cannot penetrate. In very hot, or very cold 

 weather, it cracks open, either breaking the roots or 

 exposing them. It attracts mechanically the nutritive 

 juices essential to vegetation, and does not part with 

 them to the plants. 



This kind of soil forms, however, a superior basis for 

 improvement, since, when once thoroughly manured and 

 broken up, it retains its fertility for a long time. There- 

 fore, nothing is required but correct management, to 

 render this the best possible soil for a park. It is of the 

 utmost importance that this branch of the improvements 

 be clearly understood, and properly attended to in the 

 beginning, since it will be impossible to improve its fer- 

 tility from year to year, as is done with the ground 

 which is constantly undergoing the process of fructifica- 

 tion for agricultural purposes. The greensward, which 

 will constitute the principal feature of the park, the chief 

 element of whose beauty and value consists in its being 

 firm and compact, cannot be disturbed by the plow or 



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