20O The Lawn. 



Having now the grass-seed ready, sow as evenly as possible, and rake in 

 with short-toothed iron rakes, or, if the lawn is of great extent, with the har- 

 row ; and roll carefully with a heavy roller if the land is light, avoiding the 

 treading of heavy animals if it is possible. Too much care cannot be taken 

 to get a firm and even surface, as very much of its beauty, for the first 

 season at least, will depend upon this operation. 



The grain that is sown along with this grass-seed will be thin, of course, 

 and will not interfere with the young grass. It is designed merely to protect 

 it from the scorching rays of the sun during any dry weather that may 

 occur the first season. In three or four weeks, or when the grain or millet 

 is about a foot high, it should be cut with a scythe, but not very closely. 

 Three inches from the ground is better than less. It will then start again, and 

 grow rapidly ; and in three or four weeks it should be cut the second time, 

 and again in August or September. This mode of treatment will secure a 

 uniformly green and luxuriant plat even the first year, while the sward is 

 gradually forming ; during which time, it is not desirable to cut too close to 

 the ground. 



After a close and well-matted sward is once formed, the lawn is to be 

 managed by top-dressing, rolling, and frequent cutting. Rolling is impor- 

 tant, and tends to render the grasses finer and softer; while frequent cutting 

 is essential to promote the same end. In selecting a top-dressing, great 

 care should be observed that no rapidly forcing or stimulating manures are 

 used, — nothing wliich will have the effect to create a rank growth, which will 

 inevitably incline to coarseness. The oldest and most finely-rotted manure, 

 composted with some loam and plaster, may be spread evenly, and raked 

 in with fine-toothed iron rakes, working the rakes back and forth so as to 

 get the fine manure down among the grass-roots. When this is done, 

 remove all the coarse parts of the manure, if any, from the surface imme- 

 diately. No manure should ever remain to be seen on a lawn. It will 

 make coarse and uneven patches, which are especially to be avoided. This 

 finely-rotted manure, worked in as indicated, will, the second or third year, 

 make the lawn as soft as velvet ; while a close shaving with a lawn-mower 

 once a fortnight or oftener, according to the growth of the grass, through 

 the season, will give it the appearance of being well kept. No expense 



