SUMMER MEETING. 8D 



sown at the rate of five bushels per acre. T have seen equally good 

 results with red top ( Agrostis vulgaris) in place of Kentucky blue 

 grass ; also with equal parts of red top and Kentucky blue grass, with 

 about two pounds of white clover to a bushel of the former. When 

 moisture conditions are favorable the Kentucky blue grass forms a 

 softer and prettier greensward than red top, but does not appear to en- 

 dure drouth as well. Agaiu, red top has a tendency to form bunches, 

 unless growing very thick. From these observations it appears that 

 more or less sheltered situations, where the full rays of the sun does 

 not penetrate and where the ground does not quickly dry out, the blue 

 grass and winter clover mixture is unquestionably the best, but in more 

 exposed situations a mixture of equal parts of blue grass and red 

 top, with a little white clover, is preferable, as it is much more cer- 

 tain to withstand drouth. Rhode Island bent grass (Agrostis cannia) 

 has also been recommended for this purpose. The quality of the seed 

 selected is of more importance than the selection of any of these vari- 

 ities. Absolutely pure seed is often difficult and even impossible to 

 procure, yet nothing but the highest grade should be accepted. 



It is impossible to give the best time for sowing a lawn, as the 

 weather cannot be predicted far enough in advance. Different plots 

 of grass have been successfully grown when planted any month in the 

 year except January and February, and at other times they have been 

 absolute failures when treated in the same manner. The most frequent 

 failures appear to be where the seed was planted in autumn, and not 

 having time to much more than germinate before severe winter 

 weather began, much of the grass is winter-killed. One of the most 

 satisfactory results with a lawn that ever came under my observation 

 was one planted last December. 



None of the seed germinated until spring when it all came evenly 

 and now bears the appearance of a well-formed turf. Some of this 

 year's planting will ultimately be as satisfactory, though not as far ad- 

 vanced ; and that sown since April 1st is much better than what was 

 planted previous to that time. Some recommend sowing about mid- 

 summer, and by winter it will have made sufficient growth lo endure 

 the severe weather, the only objection being the greater liability of 

 drouth during this season of the year. 



After the lawn is sown, careful attention should immediately be 

 given, first to rolling and afterwards watering. The ground should not 

 be allowed to become very dry, and when watered should bethorougly 

 soaked. Rolling should continue every few days after the grass is up, 

 and should be done immediately after watering. Mowing should follow 

 aX regular intervals, never letting the grass get beyond control of the 



