File:George Tait and Sons' price list and descriptive catalogue of field and garden seeds (1900) (20373454199).jpg

Title: George Tait and Sons' price list and descriptive catalogue of field and garden seeds
Identifier: CAT31284901 (find matches)
Year: 1900 (1900s)
Authors: Geo. Tait & Sons, Inc; Henry G. Gilbert Nursery and Seed Trade Catalog Collection
Subjects: Nursery stock Virginia Norfolk Catalogs; Vegetables Seeds Catalogs; Grasses Seeds Catalogs; Flowers Seeds Catalogs
Publisher: Norfolk, Va. : George Tait & Sons
Contributing Library: U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Library
Digitizing Sponsor: U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Library

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0 one should suppose that by sowing grass seeds at any season of the year, in soil of any character, and in any state of cultivation or neglect, a durable, attractive turf is to be formed. From the beginning the lawn is both troublesome and expensive, and even when retained, it is, like liberty, preserved only by "eternal vigilance." Tbe coarser natural grasses and weeds will take possession unless kept down, and wherever, from any cause, a bare spot is formed, it will rapidly enlarge unless repaired. Those who think a beautiful lawn worth some trouble will be well rewarded if the following instructions are carried out: As in house-building, so in the making of a lawn—a good foundation must be secured, or the rest of the work will be entirely wasted, and too great care cannot be exercised in preparing the ground before sowing : have it dug to the depth of two spades or deeply plowed, all clods being broken, and if it is inclined to be heavy, work in a coating of three inches of woods-mould. The roots must be able to penetrate quite two" feet in order to keep the grasses growing through the scorching days of July and August. Unless the ground is already very rich, give a liberal application ot fertilizer ; stable manured not desirable, as it invariably contains seeds of weeds and noxious grasses. Bone dust applied at the rate of 1,000 pounds per acre is possibly the best food for the lawn, as it never pro- duces the "burned" appearance so often noticed after the use of strong fertilizers. Harrow or rake the surface to the finest possible condition, and roll until all elevations and depressions have been removed. In sowing the seed do not be afraid of having the grass too thick ; there is no danger of this, and it is to be remembered that the quantities advised hereafter are the minimum. Kake the seeds in lightly, or a brush harrow may be used, and then follow with a roller of medium weight. This last operation, or a substitute for it, should not be neglected, as nothing so well assures germination as a firmly rolled surface. Sowings made in the fall, from the middle of September to the middle of November,a'are most successful, but if deferred until spring, sowings may be made in February, March and April. Wilson, N. C —We bought a lot of seed from you last year which proved satisfactory ; we run a market garden and prefer to have our seeds direct from a reliable dealer. B p. BRIGGS.

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