1939-40

Is
of
ct
its
en
sk
Id
be
er
)p
ay
ed
ay
per
ad
;e-
ad
rill
;ty
ng
[id
I
l
y
)St
g
to
ve
It,
d
ry
n.
ng
th
ts,
1h
ed
to
se
;
et
n'
RECREATION GROUNDS
6
73
The blades of the mower, which ought to have been raised
during the winter period
,
can now be lowered gradually at each
cut. Remember to: change the direction of the cut at each operation.
Should the weather be dry and artificial watering become neces�
sary endeavour to water thoroughly.
If any areas have definitely failed to respond to the treatment
given in the autumn, now is the time to reinforce these areas by
lightly scarifying and sowing with a suitable seed mixture at i to
I
i
ozs. to the super yard.
All sections of the ground should be thoroughly weeded as
far as practicable before the weeds become established and smother
the new growth.
Avoid over-rolling at this time. Only light rolling to restore
root contact is necessary.
If leather-jackets, the grub of the crane-fly or daddy-long-legs,
are present their presence will usually become obvious by early
spring through discoloration and even death of irregular patches of
turf. Lead arsenate is now being used more extensively, whilst
the experiments at the St. Ives Research Station have also shown
the efficacy of an emulsion of ortho -dichloro -benzine in bringing
the grubs to the surface, when they can be swept up.
Hard Courts of the loose surface type will require some attention
after the winter frosts. The surface should be lightly pricked over
well. down into the ash, bagged over and, if there is any evidence
of moss, treated with a suitable weed-killer or one of the special
remedies. Tapes may have been lifted in the frost. These should
be brushed free of grit and pressed back into position. The surface
can then with advantage be given a light dusting of surfacing material
as may be necessary to renovate it, which should then be
well watered and rolled.
SUMMER
Football and similar areas not required for use as Cricket Out-
fields should be allowed to rest and recover as far as practicable.
Growth should be regulated to a height which will prevent lopping
and tangling, especially if the weather is hot and dry. Do not over-
roll these areas. Roll only when the soil is just moist and no more.
Rolling should always be preceded by a light harrowing.
Little time is possible for intensive cultural operations on Cricket
Tables, Tennis Courts and Bowling Greens, where play is in full swing
at this period. Careful watch, however, should be kept for further
weed infection, and if these can be removed as they appear
k
then
much time and expense may be saved in the autumn. Rake patches
of creeping clover.
Used wicket areas should be immediately pricked up after each
match to counteract the abnormally heavy rolling to which these
areas are subjected and to aerate thoroughly the rooting layer and
encourage the growth to recover.
This is the period when fungoid attacks may make an appearance.