140 



SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENING 



used for large branches the wound should be smoothed with a 

 knife. Cut side limbs as close to the main stems as possible. Never 

 leave stubs. Paint or grafting wax should be used over all large 

 cuts to prevent weathering. Avoid cutting a large branch if the 

 pruning of several small ones may be used to accomplish the same 

 purpose. 



Young gardeners feel much diffidence in the matter of 

 pruning. They may learn many of the principles by bringing 

 samples to the school and discussing them. If possible, a 



person with much experience in 

 pruning should illustrate to the 

 class the methods in vogue for 

 different kinds of plants. 



6. Knowing the Trees. — Before 

 time for planting trees and shrubs 

 in the home and school grounds added 

 interest in the trees may be gained 

 by making collections of twigs of all 

 kinds found in the neighborhood. 

 Compare the twigs of pines, spruces, 

 cedars or other evergreens. Twigs of 

 deciduous trees should also be included. Each of these may be 

 fastened by means of thread to large cards suitable for hanging on 

 the wall. The name of each is placed by it. If any are found which 

 cannot be named, send a sample to a state experiment station or to a 

 teacher of botany in the nearest higli school. 



LAWNS 



Some care must be exercised in the choice of grasses for 

 the seeding of lawns. In the humid regions Kentucky blue 

 grass^is most successful (Fig. 84). It may have mixed with 

 it some trailing white clover. In the extreme sonthorn states 

 Bermuda grass is extensively used in' place of Kentucky blue 

 grass. For dry regions smooth Brome grass may be abund- 

 antly mixed with the others. This grass has a coarse leaf, 

 but is one of the best to withstand dry weather. 



Suitable times for seeding are early fall and early spring. 

 Grasses thrive best in wet weather, and before the root systems 



Fig. SS. — A, pruned close so 

 that the bark can heal the 

 wounds. B, not pruned close 

 enough: the wound can never 

 heal, but decay will follow. 



