OF HORTICULTURE. 241 
BO. 380. FLOWERING BRANCH OF LAVATERA TRIMESTRIS. 
LAWN MOWERS. Since the introduction of 
mowing machines in such variety, and in such a number 
of sizes, their use has become general, both in large 
and small gardens, almost to the exclusion of scythes. 
Machines of various makers differ much more in details 
of construction than in matters relating to the method 
of cutting adopted. The general principle is that of 
fixing a broad horizontal blade, with an edge on the 
front. This is called the ledger blade, ‘and is kept in 
position just above the ground, by raising or lowering 
small rollers on the front of the machine. The cutting 
blades, which are arranged spirally, revolve by any for- 
ward movement, unless provision is made for diseonnecting 
them, and sever the grass on coming into contact with 
- the ledger blade. Revolutions of the cutters are caused 
by their being connected, usually by cogwheels, to two 
rollers, generally called drums, at the back of the machine. 
The spindle passing throngh this part has a circular 
cogwheel on one of its ends, sometimes made reversible, 
and on any forward movement of the drum all the 
parts are set in motion. In the case of Lawn Mowers 
drawn by horses, an arrangement is made by which the 
cutters may be stopped at any time, for conveying the 
machine short distances, by shifting a movable catch in 
one end of the drum. The number of cutters varies in 
different machines, some being placed wide apart, for 
the special purpose of cutting long grass. The Archi- 
medean,” an American Lawn Mower, was specially 
noted for this on its introduction, and is now pretty 
well known. An improved form, manufactured by Messrs. 
Williams and Co., has all the parts to work either 
separately or in connection, and the knives revolve very 
rapidly when in use. The “ Excelsior,’ another Lawn 
Mower of American make, manufactured by the Chadborn 
and Coldwell Manufacturing Co., is specially notable for 
lightness of draught, cutting without ribbing, its easy and 
novel mode of adjustment, and the complete protection 
afforded the wheels and mechanism from injury or from 
clogging with grass, &c. Unlike the adjustment in most 
other machines, the sole-plate, in this case, is not a fixture, 
but is advanced to the blades by means of screws, which 
are turned by an ordinary spanner. Each of the four 
knives is complete in itself and removable in case of 
accident. Ransome’s “ Automaton” is an exceedingly 
Vol. II. 
Lawn Mowers— continued. 
useful Lawn Mower for general use. It is made in 
various sizes; those from 12in. to 22in. are recom- 
mended. Many of Green’s Lawn Mowers are worked 
by means of a flat-link chain instead of cog-wheels. 
Some persons object to this, on account of the chain 
occasionally coming off when on sloping ground. That 
the machines are durable, and do their work well, is, 
however, unquestionable. In Shanks’s Patent Lawn 
Mower, manufactured by Alex. Shanks and Son, the 
sole-plate, or ledger blade, has a double reversible 
edge, and is thus enabled to last longer than most 
others. This machine is specially recommended in 
the size worked by a horse, as it is strong in con- 
struction, and has a good delivery of grass into the box, 
and an admirable system of emptying the latter when 
full. Edwards’ Patent Invincible Lawn Mower, manu- 
factured by J. Crowley and Co., is a smooth-working 
machine with reversible cutters. Regulating rollers can 
be fixed before or behind the knives, or in both positions, 
or the machine may be used without any. It makes but 
little noise when at work; and the mechanism is simple, 
and easily understood. There are other Lawn Mowers, 
in quantity far too numerous to mention here, some of 
which may possibly have an advantage in certain par- 
ticulars over those referred to above. All the smaller 
sizes are made so that the grass-box may be easily 
removed at any time. Some people prefer using the 
machine without a grass-box; but, if the crop is unduly 
heavy, this plan does not always answer. It is very | 
important that a machine of any descziption should be 
kept clean when not in use, and ised throughout 
each time after being used. Rust™and dirt on the 
blades are often more destructive than constant wear 
with cleanliness enforced. The knives should always be 
made to work quite evenly on the ledger blade, so that 
a piece of paper may be cut on any part alike. It is 
not advisable to have the blade too low, as many of the 
tender grasses are thus cut too c’ose and killed, and 
the remainder presents an unsightly appearance for a 
time, until new growth is resumed. Lawn-edge Clippers 
are small machines made for following the Lawn Mower 
and cutting the grass along the edges of walks. Some 
of them are made with a drum roller, which is connected 
and sets the other parts in motion by every forward 
movement. In Green’s patent machine, the chain and 
wheel motion is adopted, a fixed blade is guided along 
the edge, and a cutter, with several edges, revolves against 
it and severs the grass. Adie’s Patent Clipper has blades 
somewhat like shears, the point of the under one being 
regulated to run zin. below the turf level. On applying 
a downward or forward pressure of a few pounds, the 
blades open, and, being connected to a strong spring, close 
suddenly, and, in doing so, perform their intended work, 
Lawn-edge Clippers are not at present extensively used, 
the difficulty in guiding them straight, or in following a 
curved edge, being much against them. The value of such 
machines, if improved so as to be available for ordinary 
use, would be very great, as an immense amount of labour, 
in clipping with hand-shears, would be avoided. 
LAWNS. A well-made and properly kept Lawn is 
always one of the most important features in connection 
with any garden, especially that surrounding a residence. 
Where it is improperly levelled and made in the first in- 
stance, the defects in the surface caused by holes, or subsi- 
dence of the soil in one place more than another, cannot 
well be satisfactorily remedied. The form and extent 
of the Lawn will, of course, vary in almost every case; the 
more it covers, the better will be the effect produced, 
if the work has been well done ; and, on the other hand, 
the more prominently will any inequalities be seen. Close- 
cutting machines, now so much in use, cannot dip into 
holes, consequently the grass here is left comparatively 
long, while that on the higher portion around is cut 
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