308 



THE BEGINNER'S GARDEN BOOK 



clippings lie on it. They work down among the roots, shade 

 them, and finally decay, producing plant food. But if they 

 are long, then they should be raked off. 



In a drought, do not mow the lawn unless it is necessary. 

 Leave the tops to shade the roots, until they grow so tall that 

 the mower must be used. 



The spring care of a lawn is simple, but should not be 



neglected. Rake it 

 thoroughly, but do 

 not tear the roots. 

 Then as soon as 

 heavy frosts have 

 ceased, roll the 

 lawn "both ways," 

 so as to level it 

 after the heaving 

 of the frost. A 

 good dressing is 

 worth giving 

 yearly, but manure 

 is not advisable 

 unless it is very 

 well rotted. Bet- 

 ter use sheep ma- 

 nure, or a good 

 top-dressing. Sow 



the fertilizer freely on a thin or old lawn, but lightly on a 

 good one, lest the work of mowing be unnecessarily in- 

 creased. 



Weeds in the lawn will often be a bother. At first they will 

 seem very numerous, but most weeds need cause no worry. 

 The first year's mowing will finish them. Dandelions, how- 

 ever, are a real trouble. They send their roots very deep, 



FIG. 174. A simple method of watering the 

 lawn. 



