VIII 



TURF GRASSES 



^ ^^^^ ^^ selection of proper grasses for the course 

 ^ . 1^ requires close attention, but involves no 



j^ ' / »a. highly technical knowledge. There are cer- 

 ^ Jl Wi tain varieties which unquestionably have 

 ^*r~-T^*™.^ proved the best for particular localities and 

 Sg^'^'^jp'^s^ purposes. In this section we outline the gen- 

 eral characteristics of the grasses most widely used on the 

 American course. 



The reason for selection of a certain grass plant for a given 

 purpose is apparent when its habits of growth are studied. 

 The idea that the precise proportions of each variety must 

 be exactly determined by the peculiar conditions of a par- 

 ticular course, is without foundation. It is important, how- 

 ever, that the varieties used be carefully selected for qual- 

 ity and thatweedsand undesirable adulterations beavoided. 



In selecting seed, sacrificing quality is never a saving. 

 The best seed proves the least expensive, for being free 

 from impurities, it goes farther than cheap seed, produces 

 a thicker, cleaner stand of grass and makes necessary a 

 smaller expenditure for weed eradication. Only when one 

 has several superior lots of seed to select from should price 

 be made the basis of decision. 



Messrs. Piper and Oakley, to whom reference is made in 

 the introduction, have added much to popular knowledge 

 of the best varieties and their special 

 adaptations, and so have greatly aided 

 efficient buying. 



Through scientific study the fallacy 

 of mysterious ready-made mixtures is 





