chap, ix.] THE LAWN, ETC. 305 
particular in describing what qualities are 
requisite in grasses to make them suitable 
for producing soft turf. The next thing is 
to tell them as well as I can* what kind of 
grasses appear most likely to answer the end 
in view. Of all these, one of the most per¬ 
manent appears to be the fox-tail meadow- 
grass (Alopecurus pratensis); it is one of the 
principal grasses in rich natural pastures, 
and it should always form one-fourth part of 
the seeds used for laying down a lawn. The 
sweet-scented spring grass (Anthoxanthum 
odoratum) grows best in deep moist soil; but 
it is worth sowing in every situation for its 
fineness, its dwarf growth, and for its habit 
of continuing to vegetate, and to throw up 
fresh stalks nearly all the year. It is this 
grass which gives so delightful a fragrance to 
new hay. The common meadow-grass (Poa 
pratensis) is also suitable for lawns ; as, 
though of slow growth, it has creeping per¬ 
manent roots: and the short blue meadow- 
grass (Poa ceerulea) may be added, for its 
deep blue tint, which gives a richness to the 
general colour of the grass, and because it 
sustains no injury from dry weather. The 
x 
