March.'] GRASS-PLATS AND WALKS. 55 
ing that time must be carefully cut, after the first season, 
every three weeks, while growing ; nor must it be too fre- 
quently walked upon. White clover and true perennial rye- 
grass are the seeds most proper for sowing. The ground 
must, in the first place, be all equally made up, and levelled 
with the spade and rake ; not " cart-loads of soil laid down 
and levelled," which would finally become very uneven, and 
would need to be lifted and relaid nest year. The best turf 
is that of a close-growing pasture or common, free from all 
kinds of weeds or strong roots, and the grass short. To cut 
it expeditiously, be provided with a turfing-iron ; but if that 
cannot be conveniently had, a spade may do very well. Strain 
a line tight, cutting the turf lengthwise, at equal distances, 
from twelve to eighteen inches. Next draw the line across, 
cutting from one and a half to two feet ; then cut them up 
with the spade, about one and a half inch thick. In laying, 
join them close and alternately; when done, beat them firm 
with a level wooden beater, and roll with a heavy roller. 
Grass-walks, in the last century, were very popular ; but 
time having put them to the test, they are found unfit for 
walking among or using in any manner, almost for one-half 
of the year ; therefore, not answering the purposes intended. 
They require great attention to keep them in order ; and if 
not always neat and clean, they are a disagreeable object in a 
garden ; but, when they are well dressed, their effect is very 
enlivening. Where they are desired, prepare the ground as 
above directed ; making the walk a little higher than the 
adjoining borders, to prevent the earth from being washed on 
it by the rain. Allowing the walks to be six feet wide, make 
the centre five inches higher than the sides, or about seven- 
eighths of an inch to the foot, whatever the breadth may be, 
which will form a gentle declivity to throw off the rain. 
When laid, beat and roll it well ; cutting the edge neat and 
even. Water frequently, if the weather sets in dry. To 
keep grass-walks or plats in order, they should be mown once 
every three or four weeks from May to September, and the 
grass each time swept clean off. When the grass is allowed 
to get long before being cut, the roots become tender, and 
die when exposed to the sun ; at last the grass is all in spots, 
and in another year requires to be relaid. 
