376 THE FORMATION OF LAWNS FROM SEED 



but in spring and autumn frequent use of the roller will have a 

 visibly beneficial effect on the grass. The best rollers are now con- 

 structed with two cylinders, having the outer edges rounded. The 

 division of the cylinder facilitates turning, and the rounded edges 

 prevent unsightly marks. 



DESTRUCTION OF WEEDS. After the most careful preparation of 

 the land, annual weeds are certain to appear, and every weed if left 

 alone will choke a number of the surrounding grasses. Frequent 

 mowing checks these weeds, but there may be other and more 

 serious pests which demand individual attention. Plantains, thistles, 

 and dandelions must be taken up, each one singly, about an inch 

 below the surface. A pinch of salt or ' daisy destroyer ' dropped upon 

 the cut root will effectually prevent new growth. It is worth while 

 to see that the lad who does this work understands what he is about, 

 for a plantain cut off just below the collar will send out half a dozen 

 shoots, in the same manner as Sea Kale, and prove a greater nuisance 

 than the original crown ; and the careless use of salt will kill a lot of 

 grass plants. Daisies also need separate treatment. Each plant 

 should be lifted with its root entire, and although new growth will 

 here and there appear for a second or even a third time, the plants will 

 be weaker, and a little perseverance will speedily rid a large grass plot 

 of every daisy. 



IMPROVING OLD LAWNS. Old lawns become thin and. bare from 

 various causes, such as poverty of the soil, over- wear, or because the 

 seeds originally sown were not suitable for the land. Three remedies 

 are easily adopted, and they almost invariably result in marked 

 improvement. The first remedy is to stimulate the surface by a 

 vigorous use of the rake. The immediate effect is apparent ruin, 

 but the grass will speedily recover and be the better for the rough 

 treatment. Then over the loosened surface sift or lightly spread a 

 mixture of fine loam mixed a few days before use with Button's 

 Concentrated Manure in the proportion of seven pounds of the 

 manure to a medium-sized barrowful of soil, and lightly rake the 

 surface to insure even distribution. And finally, after an interval 

 of ten or fourteen days sow a renovating prescription of suitable 

 seeds ; rake these in and put the roller over the entire surface 

 twice in different directions. 



The work can be commenced at the end of January or beginning 

 of February, supposing the weather renders it possible ; and as the 

 old turf will protect the young grasses from injury by frost, the seed 

 may be sown early in March. An autumn sowing of renovating seeds 



