The Iroquois River makes its slow bends past Middleport, and in spring the bottom ground greens first, days ahead of the prairie behind it. Landscape Transformations, Inc. starts the year down there — the first mow, cutting back winter's ragged growth, running the walks and drives, hauling the trimmings off. Iroquois County is flat enough that a well-cut lawn reads from a long way down the road, which is a fair amount of pressure and also a fair amount of pride. Every week after is upkeep: a level cut, honest borders, hard surfaces left clear. Grass is patient work, and this country has the room for it.