&n utlfne of ti)e (Sarlien. 43 



seeds it contains. Inequalities of surface should 

 be filled up with loam and freshly seeded, and 

 the roller be thoroughly applied over the entire 

 surface after raking. Always sow grass-seed 

 liberally. It is a mistake to leave either a close 

 or a heavy sward over winter. Cut too short, 

 the grasses suffer; left too long, they are un- 

 sightly and start slowly. The lawn should not 

 be shorn closely or frequently the first year; 

 after that, frequent mowings are advantageous 

 where the shorn grass is left to enrich the 

 sward. Often the sweep of the lawn is spoiled 

 by being too closely planted with trees or shrubs, 

 frequently with both ; or by being cut up with 

 flower-beds. While some shade is very desir- 

 able, too much shade is injurious to the growth 

 of grasses ; and close planting interferes with 

 the sense of generous breadth which the lawn 

 should impart. 



Even with all possible pains and precautions 

 we are still without a perfect lawn. The grand 

 army of weeds remains to be combated per- 

 ennial pests innumerable ; annuals which sow 

 themselves a thousand- fold ; plantains voided by 

 granivorous birds ; purslane traveling on wings 

 of the wind ; dandelions, rooted deeply as in- 

 gratitude ; sorrel, lover of sandy soil ; mouse- 

 ear chickweed ; yarrow, daisies, mosses, lichen ; 



