6o 



THE CENTURY BOOK OF GARDENING. 



an even slope, use the strings and pegs in the same way, stretching two or more throughout 

 the whole length, and working up to these as may be required. The level and straight-edge 

 come into use here also, as by placing them horizontally, and afterwards using the straight-edge 

 from point to point, in the direction of the slope, uniform slope is secured. 



PREPARATION. — Whether seed is to be sown for the future turf, or turf taken from 

 another place put down, the whole surface must first of all be made level and dressed 

 down finely. In the case of relaying a lawn with the same turf it will only be necessary 

 to lift this, in the manner that will be described later on, previous to levelling. One of 

 the most important points is to move the whole of the soil uniformly as far as possible. 

 But in many cases this cannot be done. One should have a portion that is quite solid 

 when making a new lawn upon a slope, and let the remainder be loosely-moved soil. This 

 must be adjusted by ramming that freshly moved and by slightlv lifting that portion from 

 which soil w as taken. It often happens, also, that the soil left at the upper end is too poor. 

 Remove, then, the rich surface, and enrich the subsoil exposed by one or other of the 

 methods advised under that heading. Always endeavour to let the ground rest a short 

 time before sowing seed or laying turf. The turves must be unrolled and laid as closely 

 together as possible, beating them down as the work proceeds. Before putting down a 

 second row, rake over the soil once more. Use a plank' to walk upon, and have a little 

 finely-sifted soil at hand to fill in any small indentations that may be made. The level 

 must be used again in laying the turves, as unless they be cut at a perfectly uniform 

 thickness the previous levelling will be of comparatively little use. Trim off the edges with 

 a sharp turfing-knife, being careful to set the line tight and straight, and give an occasional 

 look to this as the work proceeds. In sowing seed, set a narrow verge of turf around the 

 edges, beat this down well and level, and sow at the following rate. A good mixture 

 of lawn grass seeds can always be obtained at the florist's. A peck will sow a little over 

 2,000 square feet, or 41b. to 51b. can be used to the square rod or pole. The mixture must be 

 kept well stirred during sowing, as the weight of the seeds varies so much. An even better plan 

 is to mix the seed with some light soil, and then scatter the whole broadcast in the most 

 uniform manner possible. Far better to go over the ground twice, from different directions, 

 than to sow too freely at first. Rake the surface over once more, and then stretch several 

 pieces of thread across to prevent birds from picking out the best and heaviest seeds. Seed 

 should be sown in April or late in August, so far as can be arranged. 



SELECTING AND CUTTING TURF. — Choose turf from pasture land as far as possible, 

 and see that it does not contain such noxious weeds as Dandelion, Plantain, Daisies, Thistles, 

 Docks, Yarrow, etc. Let each turf be of uniform width, and, as nearly as possible, 2^-in. 

 to 3in. deep. Roll the turves up, grass side inwards, or stack them very loosely. Cut the 

 turf as near as can be to the time when it is to be relaid. 



TREATMENT after Making the LAWN. — When the turf is set, dress over with some 

 good loam, and work this well into the crevices with a broom. Indeed, sweeping and rolling 

 will do much towards securing a perfectly firm and uniform turf. With seed we must wait 

 until this has grown some 2in. or so, when it may also be rolled and swept, but the broom 

 must be used gentlv upon the first occasions. Do not cut the grass until it has once more 

 grown up some 2in. after rolling, and then merely clip off the tops. As time goes on 

 these operations must be completed, meanwhile keeping a close look-out for seedlings of 

 weeds, and removing them as soon as noticed. Many complain that lawn grass seed and 

 mixtures are charged with these when purchased ; but this is generally wrong. The seed 

 was either in the soil or drifted there and germinated with the grass seeds sown. No 

 matter where a piece of fallow ground may be, these enemies are soon found, even when 

 the older plants are far distant. Once a good lawn is secured no other seeds will have a chance, 

 especially if the lawn be properly looked after. How often a lawn should be cut must depend 

 entirely upon its growth and condition. It can only be said that constant rolling and sweeping 



