LAWNS 145 



the sprinkling. If it is necessary to water the Lawn, the 

 water should be allowed to run directly from the hose until 

 the surface area is completely soaked. It is best to do this 

 at nightfall. When the water is applied by means of a 

 sprinkler, a large part of it evaporates and does no good to 

 the ground. The fundamental treatment of the Lawn is to 

 have the land so deep and porous that the grass roots strike 

 deep into the soil and do not need the surface water. A 

 Lawn which is well made will need watering only in unusu- 

 ally dry timefe. 



Mow the Lawn frequently when it is growing rapidly, 

 in spring and early summer. In the fall mow less 

 frequently, and let it go into the winter with a long coat 

 of grass. If the Lawn is mown as often as is needed, 

 it will not be necessary to rake off the trimmings. In fall, 

 top-dress the Lawn with commercial fertilizer at the rate of 

 500 pounds to the acre. If the Lawn has not been raked 

 clean of all the trimmings and decayed refuse which covers 

 the surface of the ground, it is not necessary to dress it 

 with stable manure ; for manure is unsightly, unsavory, and 

 often brings in weeds. Many persons make the mistake of 

 raking the Lawn clean in late fall. 



Closely associated with the making of the Lawn is the 

 general arrangement of the planting. It is the common fault 

 to scatter the planting. Much better effects are secured by 

 massing or grouping the planting. See Borders and Flower 

 Beds. Particularly along the boundaries and about the 

 foundations of buildings, the shrubbery and other plants may 

 be massed to excellent effect. In large places there should 

 be more or less mass planting along the walks and drives. 

 In the curves and retreats of these plantings one will find 

 many pleasant corners ; and here the children may have 

 their play-houses and their pets. A little brook winding 

 across a corner or along one side of a Lawn may make a 

 pleasant picture if it is allowed to take on a half-wild 

 character. 



