HOUSE AND GARDEN 
October, 
1914 
257 
which destroys the cutting qualities and 
usually makes expert attention necessary. 
All good mowers are self-sharpening to 
a certain degree, but if the blades become 
rusted it will cause an unevenness on the 
edges which the self-sharpening feature 
cannot overcome and grinding is then es¬ 
sential. If the machine is what is known 
as the “sliding pawl” type, possibly the 
pawls (which are small, flat pieces of 
steel) are worn to such an extent that they 
will not cause the blades to revolve when 
the mower is pushed forward, for which 
purpose they are intended. - In addition to 
the rust on the pawls this wear is caused 
by an unnecessary strain being put upon 
the pawls by cutting extra high grass. In 
order to cut this grass the machine is usu¬ 
ally pushed forward in short, rapid jerks. 
Each of these forward jerks causes an un¬ 
due pressure to be placed upon the pawls, 
gradually rounding them off. An accumu¬ 
lation of sand or other grit in the pawl 
housing (occasioned bv the use of grease 
or thick oil) causes additional wear. This 
is a small matter, however, as these pawls 
can generally be replaced for five or ten 
cents a piece and in this respect the ma¬ 
chine will again be as good as new. 
In order to forestall most of the troubles 
described in the foregoing, requires only 
a small amount of time and attention. Dis¬ 
mantle the machine, which will be found 
a very simple matter, and then soak the 
parts in gasolene or kerosene oil, thor¬ 
oughly cleansing them, removing all muck 
and grit. Before assembling grease the 
various parts liberally and pack the bear¬ 
ings, gears, etc., with grease (vaseline or 
other rust-preventing substance, of which 
there are many on the market, will be 
found very satisfactory). A generous 
supply of grease should also be placed on 
the blades. 
If this is done and the machine stored 
in an absolutely dry place, the springtime 
will find the lawn mower in perfect condi¬ 
tion. Before using, however, the grease 
should be flushed out with gasolene or 
kerosene oil and a light lubricating oil ap¬ 
plied. No grease or heavy oil should be 
used while the machine is in operation, as 
they gum and tend to collect dirt and grit, 
while a clean, light lubricating oil will float 
the grit away and keep the bearings clean, 
thus preventing unnecessary wear. 
A Commonsense Ventilator 
^ • A A-a-h-ca-ch-o-o-o-! — A-a-h ! — 
* Gee! There I go again, catch¬ 
ing cold in that draught. Confound that 
draught, anyway! 
"Too close in here with every window 
and crack shut up tight, and every one 
sneezing their heads off in a draught 
when they’re open. So there you are ; and 
what can you do about it?” 
Write Today 
Dept. Y 
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1 mmBrk 
WHY ULSTER REBELS 
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R ! a 
Irish Land and Irish Liberty 
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By MICHAEL J. F. McCARTHY,.4«Mor of "Five Years in Ireland.” 
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The ownership of eighteen million acres of Irish land changing from 
Protestant landlords to Catholic tenantry and the political changes 
promised and foreshadowed are the basis of Mr. McCarthy’s 
absorbing sociological study of “John Bull’s Other Island.” 
This is the first book of its kind devoted to a comprehensive 
survey of Irish life and character represented by the three types 
—the gentleman, the farmer and the laborer. 38 Illustrations. 
8vo. Price $2.25 net. Postage 20 cents. 
McBRIDE, NAST & CO., Publishers, Union Sq., NEW YORK 
In writing to advertisers please mention House g Garden 
