216 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. 
