36 



Sow the seed rather thickly, say at the rate of four bushels per 

 acre. Exercise care to get an even distribution of the seed in 

 sowing and it is often advisable to re-seed at right angles to the 

 first sowing in order to secure this. 



For the purpose of securing immediate effect the plan is often 

 followed of mixing with the blue grass the English or Italian rye- 

 grass. This greens up at once and makes a very good temporary 

 turf. Since it is only temporary in character, it gradually dies 

 out, leaving the blue-grass in possession. In using the English 

 ryegrass the proportion commonly followed is that of three bushels 

 of bluegrass to one bushel of ryegrass. A slight sprinkle of white 

 clover is sometimes added as a temporary turf. Many follow the 

 practice of sowing oats or rye with bluegrass. This in our opinion, 

 is not advisable. Both of these plants make a coarse stubble un- 

 suited for the lawn and they are gross feeders. Instead of being 

 a nurse crop they rob the grass of its moisture and food supply 

 and also shade it too much. 



MOWING THE LAWN. 



Begin mowing just as soon as the grass is tall enough as this 

 cutting causes the plant to bunch and stool-out, thus securing a 

 thicker turf. Set the lawn mower high, however; in fact, close 

 cutting is not advisable in any case. Stop the mowing in time 

 in the autumn to let the grass make a good top growth for winter 

 protectio-n. 



On the newly established lawn there is apt to be trouble with 

 weeds of many kinds. Most of the coarser weeds will not stand 

 close cutting and are killed out the first year by the use of the 

 lawn mower. There are a few, however, including the dandelion, 

 which are not affected in this way. For the eradication of these, 

 iron sulf ate has been recommended, but its value for this purpose 

 seems quite doubtful. 



In applying manure to the lawn take care to secure material as 

 free as possible from weed seed. Nitrate of soda is often prefer- 

 able for fertilizing because it is free from impurities. Use this 

 at the rate of 200 pounds per acre and apply it at the beginning 

 of the growing season. 



Rolling is a good practice for the lawn as it closes the cracks 

 early in the spring and also shoves the crowns of the plant back 

 into place, thus correcting the heaving which has taken place 

 during late winter. 



