LAWNS AND LAWN-MAKING 215 
allowed to remain through the winter, raking off all 
straw and trash remaining in the spring when growth 
starts. Or it may be applied very early in the spring, 
just in time to be dissolved and carried into the ground 
by the heavy spring rains. In either case nothing 
coarse should be left on the ground when the grass 
begins its growth. Commercial fertilizers, such as 
ground bone or bone meal, dried blood, and nitrate of 
soda, may also be used. From 200 to 500 lbs. may be 
used at a single time. It is necessary to apply them 
just before the beginning of a rain or to wash them 
into the soil with the hose when a large quantity is 
used, in order to prevent burning the grass. They 
should never be applied to the grass while wet from 
dew or rain, as the grass leaves may be severely 
burned by the chemical ingredients, unless the fer- 
tilizer is quickly washed in by the addition of more 
water. Nitrate of soda is adapted for rapid forcing 
of the grass, and the effect is soon spent. The others 
are slower and more lasting in their action. 
WEEDING 
It is not possible to do more than mention the sub- 
ject of weeding here. No effort should be spared to 
keep the grass free from weeds. They impair the 
beauty and usefulness of the sward, and even threaten 
its very life by their rapid and vigorous growth. An- 
nual weeds should be kept carefully miowed ; if noseed 
are allowed to ripen, they will soon disappear. If they 
spread rapidly and smother the sward as does crab- 
grass, they should be uprooted if possible. Perennials, 
as dandelion, plantains, and similar weeds should be 
