21 6 FARM GRASSES OF THE UNITED STATES 



carefully dug out and destroyed. On no account allow 

 them to produce and scatter their seed. A few drops 

 of some strong acid, such as sulphuric or carbolic, ap- 

 plied to the cut root will help in destroying them. 

 Places left bare by their removal should be raked over 

 and resown in grass to prevent other weed seeds from 

 finding lodgment there. 



RENOVATION 



Eternal vigilance is the price of a perfect sward. 

 Wherever a break occurs in the turf covering it should 

 be at once repaired. An iron rake will prepare the 

 spot for seeding, and with a little seed and a gentle 

 watering the new growth of grass may be started. 

 The seeding of such spots should be heavy, for the 

 ground can rarely be more than scratched with the 

 rake instead of thoroughly worked up, and much of 

 the seed will never develop sturdy plants. Thin places 

 in the turf may be treated in the same manner without 

 danger of injury to the grass already growing ; in fact, 

 it is often perceptibly benefited by such treatment. Its 

 growth helps to protect the new grass while starting. 

 Renovated spots should be fertilized well to encourage 

 rapid growth. Care must be taken that the same 

 kind of seed is always used, or the result will be a 

 ragged or patchy sward of very unpleasing appearance. 



