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THE FLORIST. 
dug over (I am supposing the draining and levelling done, if necessary, 
and the proper surface adjusted and brought to a uniform state of 
firmness) and prepared for sowing. The five-tined fork is the best 
implement for breaking down soil to the requisite degree ot fineness 
for Grass seeds. If the soil is stiff and heavy, now is the time for 
working in any material which will ameliorate this condition , a mixture 
of a lighter soil—coal ashes, road scrapings, drift, mortar rubbish—is 
useful and will suggest what is wanted ; on the contrary, where the soil 
is poor and sandy, chalk or marl may be applied if procurable, or a 
mixture of any calcareous materials. Where the soil is of a peaty 
character, a good dressing of hot lime well mixed in during the forking 
over will have a good effect on the subsequent well-doing of the Grasses. 
Having been particular in producing a fine tilth to a uniform depth, and 
made the whole equally firm by treading, the surface should be brought 
to a fine even surface for the reception of the seed. My own favourite 
Grasses for lawns are the Crested Dog’s-tail, Hard and Creeping Fescue, 
Wood Meadow Grass, Evergreen do.. Common do., Sheep’s Fescue, fine¬ 
leaved do., and Evergreen Rye Grass ; but where a particularly fine sward 
is required, I have used only the Crested Dog’s-tail Grass, fine-leaved 
Fescue, and Evergreen Wood Meadow Grass, in equal proportions, with 
5 or 6 lbs. of Trifolium repens, and 4 lbs. of T. minus per acre; 
the proportion per acre, including Clovers, will be about 60 lbs. where a 
close bottom is wanted quickly, but in ordinary cases 50 lbs. are sufficient. 
I need not, however, enter further into this, as mixtures of the proper 
Grasses for lawns are to be obtained from any respectable seedsman, who 
I can affirm have paid great attention to this department of their 
business; and therefore the simplest way is merely to state the size of 
the ground and nature of the soil, and you may leave the selection in 
their hands. The seed should be very evenly sown, sowing the Grass 
seed and Clover separately, and lightly raked in. When the surface 
soil becomes dry, pass a roller over it to form the surface even for the 
scythe when the time comes for mowing. The seeds should be closely 
watched, or the birds will make free with the Clover and some other 
seeds. When the Grasses are two or three inches in height, mow them 
over with a very sharp scythe, merely raking off the Grass and roll 
directly afterwards. This mowing and rolling will require to be 
performed every ten days or a fortnight, taking care to disturb the 
surface soil as little as possible, as the roots have got only a slender hold 
on the soil and are easily pulled up and destroyed; and for this reason 
newly sown lawns (or even pastures) should never be fed off with 
sheep, as is sometimes recommended, as these animals destroy a number 
of the Grasses by pulling them out of the ground while feeding. By 
following up the mowing and rolling, and removing any weeds which 
from time to time appear, the lawn will present a very respectable 
appearance towards the end of the summer ; and as the plants commence 
stoling out at bottom, a thick set sward will be produced by the following 
spring, which will gradually get better, till in about eighteen months 
from sowing it will not be distinguishable from the best old lawns, and 
will last, with but little trouble, for generations. Should it not come 
up to expectations through any inferiority of the soil, apply the second 
