Making a Lawn 



is a work almost superhuman. The moss is the most 

 difficult to get rid of. It should be raked off as far 

 as possible with an iron rake whose teeth are closely 

 set. The idea after most of the moss has been removed 

 is to get the grass to outgrow the moss, and this is effected 

 by top-dressing liberally with prepared soil or with wood- 

 ashes. Moss, however, is usually an indication of want of 

 drainage, and in such cases the proper remedy should 

 be applied if the expense can in any way be spared. 



Otherwise there will always be a battle between the labour 

 of the gardener and the growth of moss. Among other 

 weeds difficult to destroy are daisies, plantains, thistles, 

 &c. There exist some patent contrivances for pulling 

 up these weeds, but it means much labour and by no 

 means proportionate success. Perhaps the safest of all 

 plans is to go over the lawn armed with a knife and a 

 bottle of carbolic acid. Cut off the top of the plantain 

 or other weed, and then drop a little of the carbolic acid 

 into the roots. Usually this will have the effect of 

 97 G 



