The Ordway new era., 1913-09-12
NEWS @me
YOUNG
PEOPLE
MAKE GOOD cRoQuET GROUND
Really Ideal Foundation Can Be Made
by Use Of conerete-kecossi-
tates Much Hard Work.
CBy EBEN e. REXFoRp.)

t2hcS uellSul III Iuo game tnAI bumlth
OF skillful play. Where the ground
is rough as to surface, indefinite as to
boundary, and with arches that tip
in all directions there is little chance
for fine playing.
But on a ground with perfectly level
surface, boundary SO clearly defined
that there can be no chance for dis
pute in bringing in the ball" and
arches that set SO firmly that they
cannot be displaced by the impact Of
ball and can be depended on as to
give to ball driven against them,
the game takes on n new fascination
and becomes one of skill.
A really ideal croquet ground can
be made by the use of cement. 1t
will necessitate considerable hard
work but the boys who like to play
croquet will not let that prevent them
from providing themselves with q
fine ground II they set about 1t in
earnest.
The first thing to do is to excavate
the soil to the depth of about eight
Inches. Stake out the ground. and go
at it as though you meant business
Wheel away the soil as fast as it Is
dug up. When the excavation is COM
plete mix your concrete for the bottom
course.
This should be made of coarse sand
or gravel and cement in the propor
ton Of six parts sand to one part
cement. Mix the two while dry, ant
men add water enough to make
II the consistency OF soft mud.
Only small quantity should be
mixed at time. as the mixture
''sets" or hardens very rapidly. Apply
to the depth OF SIX inches. pounding
1t down well as you go along.
When you get to the places where
the arches are to stand. set iron
sockets to receive them In the con-
crete. letting about an inch and a
half extend above 1t to bring the
tops Of them even with the finishing
coat
Do not allow the concrete to- dry
rapidly. Sprinkle frequently. or shade
II the sun is hot.
The finishing coat should be made
OF clear. sharp sand three parts. ant
one part cement. Mix as for con-
crete, and use enough water to make
1t soft enough to run when poured
over the first coat. Smooth it with
trowel and level It with straight
edge" to make sure that there are
no inequalities of surface.
These directions. carefully followed,
will give you q ground upon which
you can calculate" your play almost
as well as the biiliardist does his on
the billiard table
OF course you will have no cushion
to reckon with. but there will be
ample chance for very skillful playing
in great many ways. and you will
find that the games becomes far more
attractive than 1t 10 possible for 1t
10 be when played on the ordinary
playground.
In selecting tho location for the
croQuet ground, would advise having
it at one side Of the home grounds
and somewhat screened from the road
or street, a. 1t detracts from the pleas
urs OF It to have 1t 20 exposed to the
view Of the passer-by that 1t becomes
almost public property.
Most croQuet grounds and tennis
grounds are lacking in one important
feature so far as the lookers-on at
these games are concerned, and that
is comfortable seats provided with
shade.
The boys of the family can make
seats at very small expense, and not
only get much pleasure 'ut Of the
making OF them. but a good deal Of
good experience in the handling Of
tools, which will be beneficial in other
undertakings.
These seats can be made by setting
four posts-preferably cedar. un-
peeled-a sufficient depth In the
ground to make them firm. would
suggest two feet for the width and
six feet for the length.
Let the front post stand about six
feet above the ground, and the rear
ones about FIVE and half. This will
give little slope to the roof.
At q convenient height from the
ground nail stout strips OF wood
around the framework formed by the
poles. on which to make the seat.
which can be of boards or stats or
canvas.
For the roof of the seats fasten
strips Of wood to the posts. both
lengthwise and crosswise, letting them
project at least about foot or more
in all directions SO that ample shade
may be secured
Then tack on lath or strips Of thin
wood in such manner as to form a
support for the vines that will be
trained over them.
The best vine to train over these
seats Ia the wild cucumber and the
morning glory. Both of these are of
very rapid growth and easy culture.
BY midsummer the plants will have
reached the roof and covered it.
anv. vu,,i a. ;ft.r.