1 6 BOOK OF THE COTTAGE GARDEN 



sowing is crossed at right angles. Lightly rake the 

 surface so as to just cover the seed with fine soil, after 

 which the roller must be passed over the ground both 

 lengthways and across. 



As a rule, the watering of newly sown lawns is to be 

 avoided, nor is it usually needed if the soil is already 

 moist and the seed germinates quickly. Should very 

 dry weather occur it may be advisable to cover the 

 ground with cocoa-nut fibre ; a thin layer is sufficient, 

 and it is unnecessary to remove it later as the grass 

 shoots will grow through it. When the grass is 3 

 inches high it should be cut with a sharp scythe, this 

 being preferable in every way to the use of the 

 mowing machine. The latter frequently damages new 

 lawns, especially if the knives are not properly set ; 

 scything further encourages a close sward, and the fact 

 that the grass is allowed to remain and act as a mulch 

 greatly promotes active growth in a dry season. For 

 this reason, the box should be detached from the machine 

 should the latter be used during a hot summer. 



Regular rolling and cutting will tend to keep a lawn 

 green and beautiful. A light roller must be used until 

 the grasses have made plenty of root fibres ; after that 

 a heavier implement will be needed. Never roll turf 

 when there is a trace of frost in the ground, nor is it 

 wise to do so when the earth is parched and baked 

 with drought. Dewy mornings in spring and autumn 

 are the best time, and the worker should not hurry but 

 go slowly over every square inch of the lawn. No 

 matter how carefully a lawn has been formed, a certain 

 number of weeds are bound to appear. If permitted to 

 remain they will spread, gradually ousting the grasses 

 until the ground is covered entirely with plantains, 

 daisies, and dandelions. Daisies should be grubbed up 

 with an old table fork ; plantains and dandelions may be 

 similarly treated, but as it is usually impossible to get 



