THE LAWN 69 
first. This method will prevent streaks and thin places 
in the lawn, caused by unequal distribution. After scat- 
tering the seed, pass over the ground with a garden rake. 
Care must be taken to cover none of the seed to a depth of 
more than one inch. Where it is convenient to water the 
lawn it should be 
sprayed each even- 
ing, so that the soil 
will keep moist to 
a depth of five or 
six inches, until the 
grass is well started. 
A little spraying that 
merely moistens the 
top and dries out the 
next day in the hot 
sun is of no value. 
Later the lawn need 
not be watered so 
frequently. After the 
roots have acquired Fig. 44. Lawn Decoration in the Boston 
; Public Garden 
considerable length, 
the grass will make a stronger growth if the topsoil is 
somewhat dry, so that the roots will be obliged to reach 
down for moisture. 
Sodding. For sloping banks it is often necessary to use 
sod, as the rain will wash away grass grown from seed be- 
fore the roots have time to gain a foothold. In sodding 
steep banks, wooden pins may be used to hold the sod 
