THE CENTURY BOOK OF GARDENING. 



with pig-manure, stable dung from where peat moss litter has been used, and otherwise 

 assist in retaining more moisture. For although a lawn must never be wet and sodden, 

 it must not become dry and parched. A very shallow soil, such as is often found above 

 sand, gravel, and chalk, needs a good layer of stiff loam, and to be treated the same as 

 advised for a light and quickly-drained soil. The most unsuitable soils are those very 

 shallow ones found upon a gravelly or chalky subsoil, and where water is almost always 

 present. The first have been dealt with, but the last must be assisted by good drainage. 



DRAINAGE. — Rather than put in deep drains at considerable distances apart, use several 

 i ft . to i8in. below the surface. The cost is rather less, both for labour and pipes. How 

 close, and also how deep, these drains should be made depends entirely upon the nature 

 of the soil, and whether in a low or somewhat raised position. It is in late autumn and 

 early spring, especially the latter, that a lawn is very wet. If sodden, moss grows freely, 

 strong-growing water grasses seem certain to develop, and the lawn is of little use, even 

 in midsummer. On the other hand, many lawns are over-drained. If the situation is at 

 all raised, or upon a natural slope, no drainage will be needed, even should the soil be stiff 

 and heavy ; but where a level portion is to be made upon such a slope, due care must be 

 taken that the rush of surface water from above is carried away to the sides, otherwise 

 a heavy shower will soon turn the lawn into a miniature pond. It is not necessary that 

 pipes be used. A drain can be cut out 2ft. or so in depth and tilled in with six or more 

 inches of broken bricks, or other coarse rubble. In the case of pipes being used, be sure 

 that there is at least a fall of iin. in 6ft., and place a shallow layer of broken rubble over 

 the pipes before tilling in again with soil. A little consideration before operations are begun, 

 and also during the work, will make it easy to decide how close, deep, and in what directions 

 the drains should run. Oftentimes these points will vary, even upon a small lawn. The 



THE LAWS AT LILLESHALL. 



