THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



Alterations may even be thought desirable after the walks, borders, and principal beds 

 are staked out, and it is better to make them then than after the planting has been 

 done and the grounds put into good order. Eeserve much of the best soil wheeled 

 away from the walks for the flower beds and borders, and note what has been said in 

 the preceding chapter as to the unwisdom of burying good soil during the process 

 of levelling (pages 39-40). 



The question of drainage will have to be considered, as it is certain that badly 

 drained ground must end in disappointment, for it is impossible that trees and shrubs 

 can thrive in waterlogged soil. In any drainage scheme the first consideration is the 

 outlet and position of the main drain in connection with it. If possible, let the latter 

 pass along the lower end, and to this connect other drains 3 feet deep or thereabouts, 

 and from 15 to 20 feet apart. For the main drain use 5-inch or even 6-inch pipes, 

 the same class of pipes, 3 inches in diameter, answering for the remainder. See that the 

 bottom of the trenches is made perfectly firm and smooth, with a gradual fall for the 

 pipes, which must be covered either with inverted sods or rough stones to a depth of 6 

 inches. Eeturn the soil evenly to the trenches, ram it down firmly to a little above the 

 level to allow for further sinkage. One drain should always run in close proximity to 

 the foot of a slope or terrace, as it is there where water usually collects. Also keep 

 the pipes clear of forest-tree roots, as they are liable to choke a drain very quickly. 

 Deep drains, however, are of little service unless the ground is thoroughly broken up 

 to a depth of not less than 18 inches, and in order to derive the full benefit of 

 the drainage, double dig or bastard trench the whole other than the walks and 

 terraces. 



Bastard trenching consists in breaking up the ground two spits deep without changing 

 the positions of the soil. Commence by marking out a breadth of ground 30 inches 

 wide, removing the top spit and " shovellings," or good loose soil, wheeling to where 

 the last trench will be cut, as it will then be convenient for finishing the work. Then 

 break up the bottom spit with either a fork or a mattock, and on this dispose the top 

 soil from the next 30-inch width, breaking up the bottom of the second trench, and 

 so on till the work is completed. Not till the tradesmen are well away from a house 

 ought much of this work to be done, excessive trampling in wet weather soon making 

 the ground as impervious to warmth and air as it was prior to trenching. In but few 

 cases is the soil of a new pleasure ground sufficiently rich to grow herbaceous plants, 

 roses, and various other flowers, and the borders may well, therefore, be treated much 



