LAWNS AND LAWN-MAKING 209 
more favorable seasons. Midsummer sowings should 
be especially heavy. For lawns, sandy soils will re- 
quire heavier seeding than loamy ones, dry soils more 
than moist ones, sterile soils more than fertile ones, 
on account of the low germination under these con- 
ditions, and rough land more than land in perfect tilth. 
Areas which are to be subje&t to rougher and more 
constant usage require heavier seeding and also special 
kinds of grasses. In general, small plats should re- 
ceive proportionately more seed than larger areas. As 
a rule, heavy seeding will be well repaid in all lawn 
formation. 
The seed may be sown either by hand or with the 
grass-seeding attachment on a grain drill, or with a 
wheelbarrow seeder. If the area is large the use of a 
machine is decidedly preferable. The wheelbarrow 
seeder; though run by hand-power, will sow faster 
than a drill. The seed is also likely to be more evenly 
distributed with the machine than by hand unless the 
sower has had much experience. A time should be 
chosen when but little air is stirring. With either 
hand or machine seeding it is best to go over the land 
twice, the second time at right angles to the first, in 
order to avoid leaving unsown spots. White clover- 
seed may be mixed with the grass-seed before sowing, 
and if a mixture of grass-seeds is used it should be 
made by thoroughly mixing the seed in some large 
vessel and all the kinds sown at once. 
As soon as sown the seed should be immediately 
covered. ‘This may be done either with the iron rake 
or the roller, or both. If the rake is used it must be 
done very lightly, as small grass-seeds will not germi- 
