In the Gardeners' Monthly for November 1885, under the heading of "Seasonable Hints," page 323, I noticed an item on filling in inequalities on lawns. I do not desire to be critical, so I trust you will pardon me for suggesting, that in my opinion it would be far better to carefully remove the sod, then fill in with good rich compost; replace the sod and be careful to firm it down well with the back of the spade.

As far as my experience has extended, I find where the earth is placed in hollow places, and grass seed sown, it will grow and do well enough until hot dry weather sets in, and this causes the young plants to dry up in a very short time.

When the sod is not covered more than two or three inches, it may come through if the grass sods have strong and vigorous roots, but where the grass has been cut severely, it comes up so slowly and irregularly that it is not safe or advisable for any one to rely on its so doing, where a satisfactory lawn is desired from the start. At this season of the year when garden work is not so pressing it is an excellent plan to go over the lawn carefully, and remove all perennial weeds, such as dandelions, plantains, etc., by cutting them out with a stout knife. If this work is properly done there is very little danger of the plants ever appearing again. I have known this plan of removing weeds from lawns to be condemned by some persons, but upon a close examination always found that the work was improperly performed. Queens, N. Y., Nov. 4th, 1883. [We are much obliged by this timely caution, for we doubt whether it would be wise to treat a hollow, even two or three inches, on the plan we suggested. It only referred to very slight inequalities - say an inch or less. - Ed. G. M].