LAWNS AND LAWN-MAKING 215 



allowed to remain through the winter, raking off all 

 straw and trash remaining in the spring when growth 

 starts. Or it may be applied very early in the spring, 

 just in time to be dissolved and carried into the ground 

 by the heavy spring rains. In either case nothing 

 coarse should be left on the ground when the grass 

 begins its growth. Commercial fertilizers, such as 

 ground bone or bone meal, dried blood, and nitrate of 

 soda, may also be used. From 200 to 500 lbs. may be 

 used at a single time. It is necessary to apply them 

 just before the beginning of a rain or to wash them 

 into the soil with the hose when a large quantity is 

 used, in order to prevent burning the grass. They 

 should never be applied to the grass while wet from 

 dew or rain, as the grass leaves may be severely 

 burned by the chemical ingredients, unless the fer- 

 tilizer is quickly washed in by the addition of more 

 water. Nitrate of soda is adapted for rapid forcing 

 of the grass, and the effect is soon spent. The others 

 are slower and more lasting in their action. 



WEEDING 



It is not possible to do more than mention the sub- 

 jedl of weeding here. No effort should be spared to 

 keep the grass free from weeds. They impair the 

 beauty and usefulness of the sward, and even threaten 

 its very life by their rapid and vigorous growth. An- 

 nual weeds should be kept carefully mowed ; if no seed 

 are allowed to ripen, they will soon disappear. If they 

 spread rapidly and smother the sward as does crab- 

 grass, they should be uprooted if possible. Perennials, 

 as dandelion, plantains, and similar weeds should be 



