Lawns and Tennis Grounds from Seed 



weeds, overwear, or because the seeds originally sown were not 

 suitable for the land. Unfortunately, the signs of deterioration are 

 frequently neglected until severe measures become necessary, involv- 

 ing much labour and outlay, part of which might easily have been 

 spared by timely attention. 



In considering the means of improving a lawn, it will be obvious 

 that as a fixed crop grass can have neither the advantage of change 

 of ground nor the benefit of tillage. Still, under these restricted 

 conditions it is possible by mechanical treatment of the surface, 

 liberal top-dressing, and the sowing of renovating seeds, to restore 

 the sward to a sound and healthy condition. In cases of long- 

 continued neglect complete restoration will take time. 



Stimulating the surface by a vigorous use of the rake is one 

 means of improvement, and the work will be more effective after the 

 lawn has been mown. The immediate result is apparent ruin, but 

 the grass will speedily recover from the rough treatment and look the 

 better for it. On a large lawn the work is quickly accomplished by a 

 toothed harrow, heavily weighted, and drawn by a horse wearing boots. 

 The entire area should be harrowed twice, in different directions. 



This severe raking or harrowing, though beneficial in itself, is not 

 alone sufficient. Nearly all lawns need some application of manure 

 in spring, and there is no better dressing than Sutton's A i Lawn 

 Manure, thoroughly incorporated with sifted rich loam or leaf-mould. 

 Two cwt. of the manure, mixed with four cartloads of soil, will 

 generally be sufficient for an acre; but if the land has been long 

 neglected, or is naturally poor, the quantity of manure may be 

 increased to three or four cwt. per acre. From these proportions it 

 is easy to decide the quantities for any smaller area. The mixing 

 should be done at least a fortnight before use, in order to take the 

 fire out of the artificial and prevent it from burning the grass. By 

 turning the heap two or three times the manure will be incorporated 

 equally in the soil. Spread the mixture evenly over the lawn, lightly 

 apply the rake, leave it for a few days, and then roll down. 



In every case where the grass is thin it will also be necessary to 

 sow renovating lawn seeds, for which the scarifying process and the 

 subsequent top-dressing make an excellent preparation. Run the 

 mower over the lawn; follow with the rake, taking care to break 

 the surface into a finely crumbled state; sow not less than one 

 bushel of seed per acre more if the plant is very thin and by 

 two operations to ensure regular distribution ; rake the seeds in, 

 covering as many as possible, and finish with the roller. By some 



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