12 JOUENAL OF THE EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



position is very limited — if, indeed, it is open at all — as conditions other 

 than suitability determine the matter. When, however, a choice is 

 possible, preference should certainly be given to that with a northern 

 aspect, especially in the Midlands and South of England, where the 

 sun in a scorching summer often proves excessively trying to the finer 

 grasses. Where local circumstances render a plentiful supply of water im- 

 possible, the question of aspect is a far more important matter than is 

 generally realised. 



Drainage. — One of the primary conditions necessary to the obtaining 

 of a perfect lawn is the presence of sufficient moisture to supply the needs 

 of the various grasses of which it is composed. As in other spheres of 

 life, however, excess is as detrimental as starvation, and consequently the 

 question of drainage next requires our attention. 



In the preparation of land, drainage, where necessary, takes pre- 

 cedence of all other work ; but it is of such paramount importance 

 that the work should be carried out thoroughly and efficiently, that the 

 employment of a practical man, perfectly acquainted with the duties of 

 laying the pipes and capable of studying the special requirements of each 

 particular case, is a necessity. 



Satisfactory drainage of land intended for a lawn is a far more 

 intricate matter than those unacquainted with the subject would suppose ; 

 and such questions as the rainfall of the district, the character of the 

 soil, and the aspect of the land need to be judiciously considered, as upon 

 such points will depend the size of the pipes to be used, the depth at 

 which they should be laid, and the distance between the rows. 



The roots of most grasses do not penetrate far into the soil, and con- 

 sequently deep drainage is not a necessity, and a very usual distance is 

 fifteen feet between the rows and a depth of three feet from the surface. 

 On some classes of soil, of course, artificial drainage is fortunately 

 unnecessary, and, as a general guide, natural drainage may be assumed 

 to be efficient and satisfactory where heavy rain is found to pass freely 

 away. It is important, however, to remember that when drainage is com- 

 pleted, and the trenches are filled in, they invariably sink, and require 

 fresh soil in order to renew the true level. Consequently, drainage should 

 be effected some months before it is intended to commence sowing 

 operations. 



The most suitable situation having been decided upon, the next con- 

 sideration is the character of the soil, and it is desirable to consider this 

 point with reference to the purpose for which the lawn is required. 

 For general purposes nothing better can be desired than a somewhat 

 deep rich loam, sufficiently porous to allow of satisfactory drainage. 

 Unfortunately, however, it is seldom that one finds such a soil available, 

 and therefore it may often be necessary to introduce fresh surface-soil 

 from elsewhere. 



In the preparation of cricket grounds the soil of which happens to be 

 of a crumbling nature and of a very porous character, it has often proved 

 of great advantage to cover such part of the surface as may be requisite 

 for the wickets with a few cartloads of clay to the depth of an inch or an 

 inch and a half. Where clay has been put on in this way in the autumn, 

 and has been broken up during the winter by the action of frost and rain, 



