54 



GRASS PLATS AND WALKS. [MarcTl. 



(For kinds recommended^ see list, end of the volume.) They 

 should never be planted too thick; but leave space for them 

 to grow as they respectively require, and according as they 

 are designed for open or close shrubberies, clumps, or thick- 

 ets. Have all in readiness, that it may be done with as 

 much expedition as possible, to prevent their roots from 

 being dried by the sun and wind in time of planting. 

 Make the holes intended for their reception round, capacious, 

 and deep enough to hold their roots, without confining them 

 in the least, and loosen well the bottom, putting new and 

 fresh soil under tl\eir roots, breaking and pulverizing it dur- 

 ing the operation, and frequently shaking the plant as you 

 progress in filling up. When done, make all firm with the 

 foot, leaving a circular cavity to hold the water they will 

 require during dry weather. Give rods, and tie with bands 

 all that need that support before they are left, lest they 

 should be neglected. Cut off any of the bruised roots or 

 irregular growths of the branches. 



GRASS PLATS AND WALKS. 



A most wonderful renovator of grass plats may be found 

 in Guano. Take at the rate of one pound to twelve square 

 yards, mix it with double the quantity of sand, and before 

 rain in April or May, sow the mixture over the grass ; in a 

 few days, its effects will be seen. Where grass lawns are 

 poor, and of a pale yellow color, about four hundred weight 

 to the acre, mixed with sand, plaster, or dry earthy will effec- 

 tually restore them to a luxuriant verdure. 



Eake and sweep off from these all litter, and worm-cast 

 earth, and give an occasional rolling to settle the ground, 

 and render the surface smooth, where the scythe is to be used. 

 The grass will likewise grow better by rolling it where the 

 frost has partially thrown it out, and add greatly to its beau- 

 ty. Cut the edgings with an edging iron or spade, so that 

 the whole will have a finished appearance. If any new turf 

 is required to be laid down, this is a very good time to do it, 

 before vegetation is strong; as the turf that is now laid will 

 have taken root before the dry season commences. Where 

 a great extent is to be done, sowing might be adopted ; but 

 it will not have the effect of turf under three years, and dur- 



