J. M. Thorburn & Co. 's Catalogue of Seeds. 



45 



FORMATION OF LAWNS FROM SEED. 



In the first place see that your ground is thoroughly drained and well prepared, sowing at least three 

 bushels of seed to the acre. 



Perhaps the best description of soil for a lawn is the stiff loam or clayey soils which predominate in so 

 many districts. This ought not to be by any means too rich, as a rapid growth is not wanted in the grasses 

 of a lawn, but in preparing it for laying down, let the surface be as much alike in quality as possible, and do 

 not stint the quantity of seed. A little White Clover is a useful addition to the seed. A very stiff clay is no 

 better than a very dry sand for resisting drought, as it is in a measure sealed up against the insertion of 

 roots, and the surface contracting by the withdrawal of moisture, it is liable to crack, etc., to a great depth. 

 Nevertheless, a stiff soil usually makes the best lawn. 



If your ground is in condition to raise a good crop of potatoes, it will make a good lawn ; add about half 

 a ton of bone dust to the acre, harrowed in before sowing the seed. The success of establishing a good lawn 

 depends much on the season and the condition of the ground at the time of sowing. A very slight raking in 

 will protect the seeds much, or a sowing of wood ashes will render them distasteful to birds. Rolling, how- 

 ever, is at all times indispensable. 



The best time to sow lawn grass seed is early in the spring, or about the latter part of August. We pre- 

 fer the early spring. 



One important thing ought not to be forgotten in the preparation of the ground. Let it all have a surface 

 of about six inches alike, for nothing looks worse than to see a lawn grow all in patches. One exception, 

 however, may be mentioned, and that is, if there be any steep slopes facing the south, or other exposed places, 

 let the earth on them be better and deeper than on the ground level, as they are more liable to burn out. When 

 the grass becomes well established, it should be frequently cut. The oftener you mow, the finer your grass 

 will be. 



It is proper here to observe that no lawn can be maintained long in good order without successive rollings. 

 Mowing alone will not secure a good bottom without that compression which the roller tends to give. The 

 rolling should be done in the spring, before the ground becomes dry. 



To Grass a Bank or Terrace. — For each square rod, take a pound of lawn grass seed and mix it thor- 

 oughly with six cubic feet of good, dry garden loam. Place in a tub, and add liquid manure, diluted with 

 about two-thirds of water, so as to bring the whole to the consistency of mortar. The slope must be made 

 perfectly smooth, and then well watered, after which the paste should be applied, and made as even and as 

 thin as possible. 



Pine Mixed Lawn Grass, Central Park Mixture. For lawns of any extent, we recommend this, our best 

 mixture, to be sown from three to four bushels to the acre. (15 lbs. to bus.) We can also make special 

 good mixtures at lower prices per bus., $3.50 . 



French Mixed Lawn Grass. For croquet grounds, grass plats, etc., this mixture is recommended to be 

 sown from three to four bushels to the acre. (15 lbs. to bus.) Per qt., 25 cents ; per bus., $4.50 . 



