Show MAKE GOOD CROQUET GROUND really ideal foundation can be made by use of concrete necessitates much hard work by EBEN E REXFORD most croquet grounds lire are anything but satisfactory to the person perso n N who he takes delight in the game that admits of skillful play where the ground Js ds rough as to surface indefinite as to boundary boun dany and with arches that tip all directions there is little chance ifor line fine playing but on oil a ground with perfectly level surface boundary so clearly defined that there can be no chance for dispute in bringing in the ball and arches that sot set so firmly that they cannot bo be displaced by the impact of a ball and can be depended on as to the amount of resistance they mill III give to a ball driven against them the gamo game takes on an a new fascination and becomes one of skill A really ideal croquet ground can ze be made by the use of cement it will necessitate considerable hard work but the boys who iho like to play croquet will not let that prevent them from providing themselves u with ith a fine ground it if they set about it in earnest the first thing to do Is to excavate the soil to the depth ot ol 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 complete mix your concrete cou crete for the bottom course this should be made of coarse sand or gravel and cement in the proper tiou of six sand to one part pare cement ment mix the two while dry ant am men crien add water enough to make I 1 ji the consistency of soft mud only a small quantity should be mixed at it a time as the mixture kiture sets bets or hardens very rapidly appl to the elle depth ot six inches pounding it down well as you vou go along when you get to the places where the arches are to stand set iron sockets to receive them in the concrete letting about an inch and a ahalt extend above it to bring the tops of them even with tho the finishing coat do not allow tho the concrete to dry rapidly sprinkle frequently or shade df d tho the sun is hot her the finishing coat should be made ot of clear sharp sand three parts anc am one part cement mix as for concrete and use enough water to make it soft enough to run when nhen poured over the first coat smooth it with a trowel and level it with a straight edge to make sure that there are wo no inequalities of surface these directions carefully followed will give you a ground upon which you can calculate your play almost as well as the 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 a great many ways and you NN will find that the games becomes far more attractive than it is possible possie for it to be when played on the or ordinary playground in selecting the location for the croquet ground I 1 would advise having it dt at one side of the home grounds and somewhat screened from the road or street as it detracts from the pleasure of it to have it so exposed to the view of the nasser by that it 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 ery small expense and not only get much pleasure rut of the making of then their but a good deal of 0 good experience zi n the handling of tools which will vill be beneficial in other undertakings these seats can be made by setting tour low posts preferably cedar unreeled a sufficient depth in the ground to make them firm I 1 would suggest two feet feel for the width and six feet tor for the length let the front post stand about six teet ceet above the ground and the rear ones about five and a half this NN will ill |