SOIL AND LAWNS 



place of comfort and habitation. A steep slope almost in- 

 variably presents the idea of immediate action some- 

 thing to put behind one through the act of climbing. 

 In fact, lawns are subject to such varied gradations 

 that it is probable that no two could be found showing 

 exactly the same aspect. Each one has its personality, 

 each one its particular location. To observe a beauti- 

 ful lawn, and then to try to reproduce it at home, is 

 not always the best method to secure a good result, 

 unless the fundamental conditions of the two grounds 

 are identical, which seldom occurs. The better policy 

 is to study closely the lay of the home ground and to 

 apply to it, in so far as is feasible, the principles that 

 have made other successful lawns. 



When the ground has been satisfactorily graded, 

 plowed, and manured, it should next be harrowed and, 

 finally, raked over, that the top soil may be made 

 fine and ready to receive the grass seed. Innumerable 

 stones, weeds, and roots will again be brought up to 

 the surface and must, as formerly, be taken away and 

 burned. To cleanse a soil thoroughly from stones 

 and objectionable matter is a task requiring patience, 

 as the supply seems inexhaustible. But one goes 

 through the same experience in preparing the soil of 

 an ordinary flower bed. No matter how many times 

 it is dug and raked, it seems that there are still stones, 

 weeds, roots, and the like that await but the chance 

 to come up to the surface. 



Experts who have had a broad experience with 

 various grass seed mixtures offered by leading nursery- 

 men, and also in making their own mixtures, agree 



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