LAWNS 115 



This point having been reached, and the soil having settled down 

 properly, seeds of the best lawn grass may be sown during mild 

 showery weather in March or April, as it then germinates in a very 

 short time. Seeds may also be sown tinder similar circumstances in 

 September, so that the seed shall germinate and the young grass become 

 established before the setting in of winter. 



To ensure a thick and even sward, from 60 to 80 lbs. (or 3-4 bushels) 

 of grass seed will be required to sow an acre of ground. The seed should 

 be sown broadcast and as evenly as possible. The soil is afterwards 

 raked over lightly and a light roller may also be used to bring the seeds 

 and soil in closer contact, and give, a finish to the work. If the weather 

 is not showery, a good watering is also necessary and may be repeated 

 irom time to time if necessary. 



When the grass has grown sufficiently long, it should be cut with a 

 scythe — not with a mowing machine, as the latter is apt to tear roots 

 and all up at first. It is as a rule safer to have the first few cuttings 

 done with a scythe, so that the grass may become strong and tufted, 

 and thus better able to stand the mowing machine afterwards. 



When turf is used, the chief point to remember is : keep the surface 

 level. Each turf is about 3 ft. long, 1 ft. wide, and an inch or so thick. 

 The thickness, however, varies a good deal, and where thin turves are 

 used a little fine soil should be placed beneath to bring them to the 

 proper level. As three turves go to a square yard it is easy to estimate 

 the number required for any particular piece of ground. The turf 

 cutters, however, generally cut a shade under rather than over the 

 dimensions, and.it is therefore always safer to have a few extra ones 

 in case of necessity. 



When the turves have all been laid down neatly" edge to edge, a 

 little fine soil is sprinkled over the surface, and brushed into the crevices. 

 The whole surface may then be thoroughly beaten with a turf beater 

 (a thick flat-faced piece of wood, with a long handle let in obliquely 

 in the centre at the back) so as to reduce any slight inequalities. 

 Failing this, beating the turf with the back of a strong spade will be 

 almost equally efficacious. The first cuttings should be done with a 

 scythe, and frequent rollings and waterings will soon make a fine 

 greensward. 



General Treatment. — Once well established, a lavm should never 

 be neglected. If looked after regularly, it will last in good condition 

 for years, but if not, it will in the course of a few years show signs of 

 wearing out. 



Weeding. — This should be done regularly in spring and autumn so 

 as to keep such plant pests as Plaintain, Daisies, Dandelions, and other 



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