GENERAL MAINTENANCE 31 



To keep mosquito larvae from developing in the pools it is neces- 

 sary to stock them with fish. For small pools, gold fish are the best, 

 for they not only feed on both eggs and larvae, but in their bright colors, 

 are attractive in themselves. For large ponds, the native fish, such as 

 minnows, sunfish and sticklebacks are best. 



A common nuisance encountered in most pools or ponds where the 

 water is still, is the development of algae. The algae are simple-celled 

 plants that float around in the water giving it a greenish or reddish cast. 

 An application of copper sulphate at the rate of one pound to a million 

 gallons of water will destroy it in most cases. Application in large 

 ponds or lakes is made by fastening a bag containing the chemical to 

 the end of a boat, then rowing the boat around the pond. In a small 

 pool simply fasten the bag of sulphate on the end of a pole and work 

 the pole around through the water until the salts are dissolved. In 

 concrete pools the fish should be removed when a chemical is used to 

 destroy the algae. Red-bellied minnows and the tadpoles of toads are 

 said to eat and destroy algae. 



CARE OF LAWNS 



In the spring the ground should be firmed by rolling several times. 

 On a day when rain is anticipated, an application of equal parts of 

 sifted wood ashes and ground bone meal at the rate of 5 Ibs. per 100 

 square feet will provide a splendid top dressing. A little good garden 

 loam mixed with the fertilizer will bring good results. 



It is better to mow often with the knives set high than to allow the 

 grass to become long, and then to cut it close to the ground. As a rule 

 the knives should not be set less than 2 inches high. Lawn clippings 

 should generally be removed if they are long; otherwise they may be 

 left to lie upon the ground where frequently they are beneficial as a 

 mulch. 



WEEDS IN LAWNS 



Weeds are prevented to a considerable extent by using clean seed, 

 and manure that has become thoroughly rotted. The weeds that come 

 up at first can be kept back and killed in many cases by frequent mow- 

 ings. When hardy weeds like the dandelion get a start, the only satis- 

 factory way of getting rid of them is to grub them out. A long knife 

 is the best tool, and as much of the root as possible should be removed. 

 Fill the holes with good soil and scatter seed on the bare spot. A good 

 vigorous stand of grass will eventually crowd and kill out most of the 

 weeds by the formation of a dense mass of surface roots. 



