(5rass Spaces 127 



narily not more than 600 to 1000 pounds. To a certain 

 degree the acidity present should control the amount 

 used. The acidity is easy to test by means of litmus 

 paper and there is no great difficulty in getting humus 

 or dried muck, for there are cultivated patches of such 

 land in the neighbourhood of most large cities. 



Probably the most economical and best method of 

 establishing the conditions most favourable for a lawn 

 is the use of green crops. By spreading sufficient 

 manure to make a green crop in case the soil is not rich 

 enough for the purpose, a growth of legumes, like red 

 clover, cow peas, vetches, and soy beans, can be readily 

 secured. When this crop has grown, just before it 

 reaches maturity, it should be turned under with a 

 plough or spade. In this way the legumes will be enabled 

 in the process of decay to add to the soil a larger amount 

 of organic matter than would the non-legumes like rye, 

 etc., as the legumes gather much of their nitrogen from 

 the air through the agency of bacteria contained in 

 their roots. This process will naturally cause a delay 

 of a year or two but will eventually produce a superior 

 lawn at the minimum expense. 



The appearance of the grass spaces depends naturally 

 on the character of the seed used. The general practice 

 of the trade in grass seed is to use a considerable vari- 

 ety of kinds on the theory that in that way the exigen- 

 cies of cold and drought and wet weather will be met 

 more successfully, and that the turf will grow thicker 

 and the roots be closer set. On the other hand, some 

 prefer only three or four vigorous kinds — Kentucky or 



