Stolen Seed
A number of people have been observed of late visiting a particular common for the purpose of collecting the seed of the prevailing grass. The turf there is particularly fine and springy, because a large proportion of the grass is composed of sheep's fescue or red fescue. One of the innocent pilferers disclosed his methods. He sows the seed in pots, and later inserts the sod there formed into any bare spot on his lawn ; and by this means the whole texture of the lawn is gradually improved: the patches spread. It has been virtually proved by recent experiments that those who seek to make a good bowling green will get better, or, at least, much more endur- ing, results by sowing such fine grasses as flourish in the neighbourhood than by importing alien turf. The virtues of Cumberland turf are, of course, beyond dispute, and its transference gives quick results, but sowing the right sort of local grass gives the finer lawn in the sequel at a tithe of the expense. Essential errors are frequently committed on private lawns. The very worst sort of dressing is lime, which encourages the coarser grasses and will on occasion kill off all grasses by promoting the growth of clover.
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