64 A MANUAL OF FARM GRASSES 



in with good soil to the depth of one foot or, still better, 

 two feet. This is necessary for good results whether 

 the lawn is to be made by turfing or by sowing seed. 

 If turfing is the method employed and the supply of good 

 turf is limited, good results may be obtained by cutting 

 the turf into small pieces and planting in the prepared 

 soil at intervals of several inches. The pieces should be 

 pressed firmly into the soil. Under favorable conditions, 

 the grass will spread and cover the surface in a few weeks. 

 Turfing with a continuous cover may be done at any 

 time during the growing season. Turfing with cut 

 pieces should be done not later than early fall in order 

 to allow sufficient time before winter, to fill in the space 

 between the pieces. Seeding should be done early in the 

 spring or early in the fall. The latter is recommended 

 for Maryland and vicinity. 



To produce a soft, even, elastic surface, a lawn should 

 be frequently mowed. Rolling is also a great aid in this 

 respect. If the mowing has been neglected and a tall 

 growth of grass has resulted, this should not be cut very 

 close the first time as the roots might be exposed to the 

 influence of the hot sun. It is best to cease mowing in 

 the fall before the winter's cold sets in, so that the roots 

 may be protected by a moderate growth of foliage. 



The lawn should be top-dressed with well rotted 

 manure in the winter or early spring. This treatment 

 should be given each year or at longer intervals according 

 to the requirements of the soil. In lime-poor soils, there 

 should also be a dressing of lime at intervals, this to be 

 applied in the winter. It is an excellent practice to 

 graze sheep upon large lawns. This is good for the lawn 



