1 88 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



shallow soil it is advisable to mix a fair quantity of clover with 

 the grass seed, as, being of dense growth, it prevents the 

 surface soil from becoming parched. Where lawns are 

 required for playing on, however, the clover is best left out as 

 it wears black. 



Weeds. Daisies and other w r eeds should be eradicated. 

 Bentley's lawn sand, if applied according to printed directions 

 sent with each bag or tin, is a potent destroyer of them. 

 Daisies may also be dug up with an old knife. Previous to 

 commencing this operation stretch two garden lines across 

 the lawn 3 feet apart, then work between them ; fill up 

 the holes that the daisies are taken from with fine soil, which 

 should be beaten firmly into them. The bare places will then 

 soon be covered with grass. If daisies are numerous dig 

 them up early in April, and after the holes have been filled 

 up, a slight dressing of artificial manure and fine soil should 

 be given. 



Mowing is an operation that requires considerable judg- 

 ment. As a rule early April is the best time to begin, and 

 if the grass is dense and vigorous it may be mown once a 

 week. On the other hand, if thin and weak, once in ten days 

 or a fortnight will be often enough. If possible always mow 

 the grass when dry, for if mown when wet it never looks 

 well, and wet grass also clogs and strains the machine. For 

 lawns of large extent horse or pony machines are necessary, 

 but leather boots must be placed on the animal's feet to pre- 

 vent them from cutting into the turf. For small lawns use 

 hand machines. Before commencing to mow in spring the 

 edges of the lawn should be well rolled, and an inch cut off 

 them with an edging knife. 



Where practicable a good supply of water should be laid 

 on in close proximity to the lawn, in order that it may be 

 \vell w r atered in dry weather by means of a hose. A verdant 

 lawn is beautiful and restful, and may be made to remain so 

 by employing a little cheap labour each year, and by giving 

 an annual dressing with fine soil and an approved fertiliser. 



Worms are a great nuisance on lawns, particularly where 

 it is desired to play tennis, croquet, or bowls. Most seedsmen 

 now supply a powder worm-killer which, if applied according 

 to the directions supplied with it, will free a lawn of worms 

 for a year. For small areas of grass lime water may be used. 

 Place | peck of lime in a wooden tub, add 8 gallons of water, 

 well stir and then allow to stand until the water becomes 

 quite clear. The grass must be well soaked with this clear 

 lime water, preferably during the evening of a damp, warm 



