THE MAKIXG AND CARE OF 

 A LAWN 



TT is now well understood that there is no one feature that adds so much 

 to the handsome and attractive appearance of a place as a clean and 

 well-kept lawn. (See illustration opposite.) For the slope of a terrace or 

 steep bank sods may be used to advantage, but on an even sweep or 

 plot of lawn the best results may be secured by sowing grass seed on 

 ground that has first had most thorough preparation. Having obtained a 

 foundation of good soil properly graded, plow (or dig) harrow, roll and 

 rake it well. Grass roots strike deep if the soil is right, and the better the 

 grass is rooted the better it will stand the dry weather ; therefore, make 

 the soil as mellow, fine and smooth as you can. Next, put on plenty of 

 seed, more rather than less than the directions call for (5 bushels to the 

 acre, or a quart to 300 sq. ft.), then the seed should be lightly raked in 

 and the ground rolled. Be careful, until the sod becomes firm, to keep off 

 animals or anything that might track or deface the soft soil; for this 

 reason it is well to plant trees or shrubs before seeding the lawn, or else 

 wait until the grass be thoroughly established. Start the lawn-mower 

 early, and use it at least once a week except in dry weather. Frequent 

 trimming of the grass will induce a smooth and even growth. 



Lawns should 

 have a top-dressing 

 at least once a 

 year (Spring is best) 

 of fine ground boae 

 or some other good 

 commercial fertil- 

 izer (500 to 1,000 

 lbs. to the acre). 

 Canada hard-wood 

 ashes are also to be 

 recommended, and 

 have not the un- 

 pleasant odor or ap- 

 pearance of stable 

 manure, which 



otherwise is good. An open lawn bordered all around with flowers 



