MAKING A LAWN 133 



terial and add fifteen per cent for extra expense. A man starting out 

 to do such work should keep a correct record of every item ; it is the 

 only way to be able to estimate future jobs. 



For the benefit of the beginner the following is a sample of the 

 specification we make use of here and which, we have found, appeals 

 to the average customer wanting such work done. While not suit- 

 able for all cases, it may come in handy. Such a specification, 

 typed on 8x10 in. paper with a neat letter head will always make a 

 good impression, even if your estimate is considerably higher than 

 those submitted by others; it may land the order because it means 

 more than a mere written estimate without detailed specifications. 



SPECIFICATION AND ESTIMATE FOR WORK TO BE DONE, AND 



MATERIAL TO BE FURNISHED FOR THE HOME GROUNDS OF 



MR. D, BRUNDAGE 



AT 



HIGHLAND, ILLINOIS 

 LAWN. 



(Work on lawn is to begin after building contractor has removed his material, 

 bricks, lumber and rubbish). 



Area for lawn is to be graded so as to form a gentle slope from water table of 

 residence toward lot lines, after which all is to be plowed, grubbed or spaded over 



deeply, is to be pulverized, and pounds of fertilizer consisting of blood 



and bone are to be worked into surface, which is to be raked and seeded with the 

 best lawn grass seed at the rate of 100 pounds of seed per acre. All is then to be 

 rolled lightly and covered with long, strawy manure (to keep surface moist while 

 seed is sprouting and to prevent washing). As soon as the grass is up, the manure 

 is to be removed, and all bare spots in lawn are to be reseeded free of charge by 

 contractor. 



COST COMPLETE 



Eighty-five per cent of the amount is to be paid when first seeding is done and 

 manure is spread ; balance to be due when reseeding has been attended to, which is to 



complete this contract. The contractor further agrees to furnish pounds 



of seed in addition, to be left with the owner to be used by him should weak or bare 

 spots make a second reseeding necessary. 



Whenever one has long strawy manure or any other material 

 that can be used for covering, the raking in of grass seed is unneces- 

 sary. In fact, it makes a better job not to rake after seeding whether 

 you have light or heavy ground to deal with. Much quicker and 

 better results are obtained by putting a light covering over the seed. 

 On the other hand, and in cases where manure cannot be obtained 

 reasonably, or where the area to be sown is too large to be mulched, 

 a light raking and rolling are the next best thing. 



BORDER AND SHRUB PLANTING 



When planning the planting of home grounds, I should con- 

 sider first the surroundings or adjoining grounds at either side of 

 the lot lines. Where objectionable sights are to be overcome, heavy, 

 dense planting is necessary. This may consist of tall conifers, hard- 

 wood or tall-growing shrubs. The choice of what is best to use is 



