LAU'XS: MAKIXG AXD UPKEEP 113 



Up-keep of Lawns. The success of a lawn depends upon its 

 proper up-keep ; it should as far as practicable be kept free of 

 weeds, mowed at brief intervals with a mowing machine, and never 

 allowed to produce seed-stalks or wear a neglected appearance. A 

 heavy roller should be used frequently, but not when the ground is 

 either very wet or unusually dry. A mower should not be employed 

 until a firm green sward has been formed, the grass at first being 

 cut by a scythe or sickle, so as to encourage the roots to spread. 

 When lawns* become-impoverished, a top-dressing of a rich com- 

 post, consisting of fine loamy soil and well-rotted manure should be 



A COG-WHEEL I;KAK MO\\I-;K 



given, this being raked well in, and the surface afterwards rolled 

 and watered. The dressing should not be sufficient to completely 

 hide the grass from view. An application of artificial manure may 

 be given when needed, nitrate of soda (at the rate of about one Ib. 

 per 40 square yard) being considered very good for the purpose. 

 Other suitable stimulants are a mixture of 3 Ib. basic slag and 2 Ib. 

 kainit per 40 square yard, or } Ib. sulphate of ammonia for the 

 same area. 



Enemies of Lawns. Xot the least formidable of these is 

 the pernicious termite or white-ant, whose k ' nests" should be 

 looked for and destroyed at the earliest signs, either by digging 

 them out, or pouring poison, or pumping poisonous fumes, down 

 their crevices. The "ant-exterminator" (see under Insect Pests) is one 

 of the best means yet discovered for destroying them. Certain 



