THE AMATEUR'S FLOWER GARDEN. 
268 
•excess of the cost of seeds, and it may happen that turf is 
not to, be obtained within reasonable carting distance. Sup¬ 
posing the amateur to have a choice of means and materials, 
our advice would be in favour of the purchase of the best 
turf possible, for any extent of ground under one acre; but 
when we get beyond an acre, with every increase of extent, 
the argument in favour of seeds increases in force, for the 
cutting and carting of turf is a somewhat costly business. In 
selecting turf for a garden, give the preference to that which 
is of close texture, containing a fair sprinkling of clover 
intermixed with the finer grasses. We have formed many 
lawns from meadow turf, which in the first instance appeared 
far too coarse, and they have in the course of three years 
acquired a beautiful texture fit for the foot of a princess in a 
fairy tale. Grass turf may be laid at any time during favour¬ 
able weather, but the autumn is to be preferred, because of 
the long season of growth the newly-laid turf will have to aid 
in its establishment before being tried by the summer sun. 
If laid early in the spring, grass usually passes through the 
first summer safely, but is of necessity exposed to the risk of 
being roasted ; in the event of a hot dry summer, the risk is 
greater in the case of turf laid late, than of turf laid early. 
When the work is deferred until the season of spring showers 
Is past, it will be advisable to spread over the turf a coat of 
good manure, and keep it regularly and liberally watered 
until showers occur. 
In selecting seeds, the character of the soil must be taken 
into consideration, for a mixture that would suit a clay or 
loam would not equally well suit a sand, gravel, or chalk 
soil. The seedsmen who make a “ speciality ” of grass seeds 
will for any given case supply a better mixture than any one 
unskilled in the matter could obtain, even if acting on the 
advice of a botanist or gardener. As, however, prescriptions 
are occasionally required by seedsmen who have not had ex¬ 
tensive experience, we shall append to this chapter a few for 
mixtures adapted to particular kinds of soils. The best time 
in the year to sow seeds is the month of August. If the 
work cannot then be completed, the sowing may be continued 
through September and October, but not later; and may be 
resumed in February and March. Grass seeds may be sown 
indeed on any day in the year, provided the weather is favour¬ 
able for the operation, and the ground in a fit state; but the 
