trunk forming the centre--around the tree mellow and free from any
vegetable growth whatever. This gives a chance to fertilize and
work the ground immediately over the roots. Of course vigorous
fruit-trees cannot be grown in a thick sod, while peaches and
grapes require the free culture of the garden, as will be shown
hereafter. In view, however, of the general wish for grass, I have
advised on the supposition that all the ornamental trees, most of
the shrubs, and the four fruits named would be grown on the
portions of the acre to be kept in lawn. It may be added here that
plums also will do well under the same conditions, if given good
care.

Grass is a product that can be cultivated as truly as the most
delicate and fastidious of fruits, and I had the lawn is mind when
I urged the generous initial deep plowing and enriching. Nothing
that grows responds more promptly to good treatment than grass;
but a fine lawn cannot be created in a season, any more than a
fine tree.

We will suppose that the spring plantings of trees have been made
with open spaces reserved for the favorite games. Now the ground
can be prepared for grass-seed, for it need not be trampled over
any more. If certain parts have become packed and hard, they
should be dug or plowed deeply again, then harrowed and raked
perfectly smooth, and all stones, big or little, taken from the
surface. The seed may now be sown, and it should be of thick,
fine-growing varieties, such as are employed in Central Park and
other pleasure-grounds. Mr. Samuel Parsons, Jr., Superintendent of
Central Park, writes me: "The best grass-seeds for ordinary lawns
are a mixture of red-top and Kentucky blue-grass in equal parts,