PREPARATION OF GROUND FOR LAWNS. 



69 



While it is fortunately possible to establish good turf in a short space of time, it may 

 not be quite so dense as that of some of our century-old lawns ; much, however, 

 depends upon the way in which the ground is prepared at the outset. 



Draining. 



For a lawn to be enjoyable throughout the greater part of the year it must be 

 well-drained. Not only do "sloppy" places spoil lawns for use, but an excess of 

 water kills the finer grasses, and favours the spread of those of a coarser nature. 



Whether or not land requires to be drained can easily be ascertained by digging 

 holes in the winter or spring, 3 feet deep, and boarding them over. If the water accu- 

 mulates and stands in the pits for many days together, to a depth of a foot or there- 

 abouts, drains are needed to keep tlic ground sufficiently dry to suit the best grasses, 

 and render the lawn fit for constant use. Yery shallow drains are apt to prove 

 injurious, and in dry seasons their course can easily be traced by the withering of 

 the grass over them. Ordinary pipe drains suffice in most cases at distances of 12 

 feet to 18 feet apart, and from 2 feet to 3 feet deep, with a gentle fall and good outlet. 

 In heavy soils of a clayey nature the drains may be closer, and about 2 feet deep ; 

 also, to make them effective for a great length of time, the pipes should be covered 

 with clinkers, brick ends, stones, or ballast to a depth of nine inches. Especially is 

 this desirable in the case of tennis courts and cricket grounds, so that they may be 

 quickly available for use after heavy rains. 



A lawn must be free from surface inequalities, the result of faulty levelling, or 

 the grass cannot be closely mown, and the lawn kept in a satisfactory state. Too often a 

 start is made with inferior turf, abounding in coarse weeds, whereas by sowing seeds 

 a more perfect lawn may be had in a comparatively short sjDace of time at one-sixth 

 of the expense of laying turves, if these have to be purchased. Before taking these 

 separate points in detail, a few hints on the levelling of difi'crent sites will be given. 



Levelling. 



When ground has to be prepared, and lawns formed on an extensive scale, the work 

 ought to be entrusted to experts, but levelling and laying out smaller pleasure-grounds 

 has been frequently well done by men not having had much previous experience, and 

 with the aid of simple appliances only. For extensive operations what is known as a 

 theodolite is required. This instrument has a tripod stand, supporting an adjustable 

 telescope and a spirit level, and is of the greatest service in finding levels at a con- 



