THE LADIES' FLORAL CABINET. 
101 
The prominent feature of the exhibition was Roses, 
ami they were shown in their greatest perfection. In 
one group were hundreds of Marechal Niels, some of 
which were four inches in diameter. In as great perfec¬ 
tion were to be seen among the Teas, Cornelia Cook, 
Catharine Mermet, Souvenir d'un Ami, Niphetos, and 
Bon Silene, one exhibit of the latter was the best in 
size, substance, and color, of any we have ever seen. 
Among the Hybrid Perpetuals, were very fine blooms 
of Magna Charta, General Jacquiminot, Xavier Olibo, 
Annade Diesbacli, Baroness Rothschild, Mabel Morrison, 
Jules Margot ten, Captain Christy, and others, equally 
fine. Among the other classes of Roses, we noticed some 
remarkably fine Souvenir de la Malmaisons fully four 
inches in diameter, and the perfection of form and color. 
The new Hybrid Teas were also well represented. The 
Hybrid Perpetuals, in pots, could not have been better. 
In short the whole exhibit of Roses was the finest we 
have ever seen on exhibition. The display of Orchids 
was bright and attractive, and considering the cold and 
storm, the growers deserve the thanks of all present 
for the great labor and trouble required to make their 
exhibit without injury to their plants. Among the col¬ 
lection we noticed a remarkably fine specimen of the 
Phalamopsis Stuartiana, the first ever exhibited in this 
country. It was brought in flower from England, and 
is a native of the East Indies. This plant belongs to 
Mrs. M. J. Morgan, an enthusiastic admirer of Orcliids, 
and whose collection, the richest in this country, is 
always represented at the Society’s exhibitions. Among 
this class of plants, we also noticed some very well 
grown Dendrobiums and Laelias. 
Lilacs in variety, dwarf, in pots, were prominent 
and attractive. Twelve distinct varieties of Azaleas, 
with heads eighteen inches in diameter, completely fur¬ 
nished with bloom, merited and received marked at¬ 
tention. Near them was a group of the new form of 
Lilium Longiflorum, some of the plants with from six 
to ten flowers and buds, which went far to prove much 
that is claimed for this new comer. The long-neglected 
Cineraria was shown in its integrity. It has generally 
been supposed that our climate was not favorable for 
the perfect development of this plant, if so, the grower, 
Mr. A. Smith, of Orange, N. J., has got the best of the 
climate, or has manufactured one of Iris own; at least, cli¬ 
matic influences did not prevent his showing specimens 
with flower-heads fully sixteen inches in diameter, with 
florets of remarkable size, with such intensity of color 
that that flower alone possesses. The early sirring 
flowers, Viola Pedata, in variety, and many rare and 
beautiful harbingers of spring graced the occasion. 
The several exhibits of miscellaneous cut-flowers, al¬ 
though good, were not up to the usual standard. 
Among the vegetables shown were some very fine 
Cauliflowers, Cucumbers, and Mushrooms. 
L A W N S . 
I do not know of anything that will render our 
grounds as complete and attractive as a smooth, closely- 
mown lawn. It is also a fact, and one to be regretted, 
that what we often call a lawn does not deserve the 
name. To be sure, it may satisfy many, for the reason 
that they do not know what a good lawn is. In a paper 
necessarily limited, it is quite impossible to treat of the 
subject as fully as its importance demands. Yet I will 
endeavor to give a few directions how to obtain a lawn, 
and care for it. I find, however, that a great many 
persons have the impression, that a lawn lequires the 
least care and attention of anything within the bound¬ 
aries of their premises, and in consequence of this 
erroneous opinion, their lawns are neglected and un¬ 
cared for; and it is my desire to impress this fact upon 
all that a good lawn, one that will prove to be a thing 
of beauty to you as well as to all who see it, cannot be 
obtained unless you bestow a considerable share of 
time, attention and care upon it. In fact, a lawn re¬ 
quires, and should be given, as much care and attention 
as is bestowed upon the flower-border, green-house, or 
the plants in the window-garden. 
If the lawn has been neglected, and if it is our desire 
to try to renew it, we must commence iu the autumn. 
First, obtain as level a surface as possible, filling in all 
irregularities; this is best done by carefully removing 
the sod, filling in, and then carefully replacing it, at 
the same time removing all perennial weeds, stones, 
sticks, and then give a good dressing of coarse stable 
manure. In the spring, as soon as the ground becomes 
settled, remove this; then rake thoroughly, using an 
iron rake with sharp teeth, and being very careful to 
remove all moss, dead grass, small stones, etc. Wheu 
this is done, give a dressing of bone dust at the rate of 
five or six hundred pounds to the acre ; then, on a calm 
day, scatter grass seed freely over the entire lawn, roll 
thoroughly, and as soon as the grass is long enough 
mow, and afterwards mow weekly until growth ceases 
in the fall. 
If it is deemed necessary to form a new lawn, a con¬ 
siderable portion if not all of the preparatory work 
should be done in the fall. In the first place, we must 
see that our grounds have the desired grade, and that 
they are properly drained, then a heavy dressing of 
well decomposed manure given—this should be well 
worked under with the plow, and, if possible, let a sub¬ 
soil plow follow the common one; then harrow thor¬ 
oughly, and level off as nicely as possible. In the spring, 
as soon as the ground becomes settled, give a good dress¬ 
ing of bone dust, harrow it in thoroughly, then on a 
calm day scatter the grass seed evenly ove/ the entire 
surface, rake it in slightly, and finish by rolling thor¬ 
oughly. About the first of July, our lawn will be look¬ 
ing very green, but amongst the young grass many 
weeds will be noticed ; now do not imagine they were 
sown with the grass nor attempt to remove them, for if 
you do you will do more hurt than good. About this 
time the grass can be mown, but be careful not to cut 
too close, and permit the clippings to remain in order to 
protect the young and tender root; mow weekly until 
growth ceases in the autumn. Every spring the lawn 
should be carefully examined, all perennial weeds re¬ 
moved, a good dressing of bone dust given and seed 
scattered wherever there are any vacancies. Roll 
