1936-37

RECREATION GROUNDS.
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depth. Small areas can be benefited greatly by hand-piercing,
using a straight-pronged piercing fork or graip.
SELECTION OF MACHINES AND ROLLERS.
The selection of suitable mowers and rollers must be carefully
studied. Cricket Tables, Tennis Courts, Bowling Greens, and
Golf Greens are best cut and rolled with hand machines and rollers.
Cutting with gang mowers is the most economical method of
cutting large areas.
Very great care should be exercised in looking after machines,
otherwise the cost of maintenance will be greatly increased (see
page 612).
FEEDING.
Turf is similar to every other living object and requires feeding.
Every ground, therefore, should have a compost heap, formed of
well-rotted manure and good soil. Other ingredients, such as sand,
charcoal, etc., may be added as required by the local soil.
When top-dressing, apply compost frequently and sparingly.
If the compost is properly screened before being put on the
ground, it is quite unnecessary to put the ground out of play.
When the promotion of quick growth is essential, artificial
manures in addition to compost will be advantageous.
Test the soil for lime. When the application of lime is necessary,
this should be done at least a fortnight before applying any
manurial dressing.
PREPARATION OF COMPOST HEAP.
The recognised method of preparing a compost heap is to put
down the materials in a pit or in a heap, in layers 1 ft. thick;
in the first place, medium soil or turf; secondly, leaf mould,
preferably from hardwood trees; and, thirdly, well-rotted farm-
yard manure. Repeat these three layers and finish off with soil.
The heap should not be used for about a year, and should be
cut down vertically before being passed through a screen of a
4-in. or 2-in. mesh. After the heap has been standing for 6 to 9
months, it is advisable to thoroughly mix same by systematically
turning over.
ARTIFICIAL FERTILISERS.
Continual cutting of grass rapidly depletes the soil of essential
chemical salts. These should be replenished by the application
of adequate quantities of well-balanced fertilisers, preferably in
the spring, midsummer and autumn.
Complete fertilisers should always be used and proprietary
makes are much safer and easier to apply. Most manufacturers
supply high-grade mixtures for Cricket Tables, Bowling Greens,
Tennis Courts, etc., and milder mixtures for Cricket Outfields,
Recreational Areas, etc. If secured from reliable firms they can
be depended upon to give good results.
Rates of application : Spring and autumn, 2 to 4 ozs. per square
yard; midsummer, 1 oz. to the sup. yard.
601
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