The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1896-05-13

depth of ten inches. This work should
be done in the fall, and then left to
settle all winter before the seed is
sown. This gives a solid foundation
on which to build, and will prevent lit
tie knolls and hollows, which interfere
with the proper working of the lawn
mower.
There are but two kinds of grasses
Tor lawns that are really worthy of
consideration for this climate. These
are Kentucky blue grass and redtop.
There are II few others, such as Rhode
Island Eent grass and brown bent
grass, which may be used, but they are
more expensive, and in no way su-
perior. A little Sweet Vernal grass or
white clover will do no harm, but
neither is essential. The coarser
grasses, such as timothy, orchard
grass, or meadow fescue, should never
be sown on lawn. They are short
lived and too coarse and stiff to mako
soft, volvety carpet. Many high
priced lawn mixtures, il analyzed, will
be found to consist mainly of blue
grass and redtop, winch may be bought
in the market for $1.50 to $3.50 per
bushel. To seed properly, 1t will re-
quire from two to three bushels per
acre, depending somewhat upon the
amount of chaff mixed with the seed.
This should be sown as early in the
spring as possible, so that the young
plants will be strong enough to with
stand the hot, dry weather of midsum-
mer. Some recommend sowing oats
with the seed as protection to the
young grass plants, but have never
found that a strong, gross-feeding
plant like the oat would furnish pro.
tection to delicate, slow-growing one.
Instead, it will rob it of its nourish-
ment, and much time will be lost in
securing the desired result. Redtop
terminates much quicker than blue
grass, and will furnish all the protec-
tion necessary, besides covering the
surface with green coat almost as
quickly rs the oats. After the blue
grass becomes we'll rooted, it will need
no further protection, and will as
sumo entire control In very short
time.
The third essential is ca rly and fire.
quent moving. If the grass is al.
lowed to get too large before being
cut, the stubble will be too stiff, and
that soft, velvety appearance, which is
so attractive, will not be obtained. As
soon as the grass is tall enough for
the mower to catch it, is the time to
begin. A few annual weeds which
may appear during the summer will
do no harm, as frequent moving will
prevent their going to seed; but such
perennials rs docks, dandelions,
plantains, ETC., should be dug up as
soon as they appear. If there is
plenty of water always at command,
less attention need be given to fertili-
zation; but early every spring it will
be well to topdress the lawn with un-
leached ashes and bone meal or SUI.
perphosphate. Forty or fifty bushels
OF the former and three or four hun
dred pounds of the latter per acre will
keep the grass in healthy, thriving
condition. Darnyard manure is too
unsightly, and should not be used ex.
cept in localities where snow covers
the ground all winter, and then it
should be raked off as early in the
spring as possible. By following the
above suggestions, as good lawns can
he had in this country as those in
England; lawns which will last life
time, and be continual source of
pleasure to all who come in contact
with them. American Agrieulturist.