J. F. CORNMAN

THE BULLETIN

of the

UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION GREEN SECTION

Vol. 8 

Washington, D. C., April, 1928 

No. 4

Contents

Page

William F. Brooks. By H. C. Mackall.................................................................... 66

Appointment of Dr. John Monteith, Jr.....................................................................  68

Effects of Individual Fertilizer Materials on Soil Reaction. By O. J. Noer, 
Madison, Wis.................................................................................................... 68

The Service Rendered by the United States Golf Association Green Section to 
the Golfers of America. By William C. McKnight, President, Baltusrol 
Golf Club, Short Hills, N. J........................................................................  72

How the Green Section Can be Helped by Clubs, Green Committee Chairmen 
and Greenkeepers. By Sherrill Sherman, Yahnundasis Golf Club, Utica, 
N. Y.................................................................................................................... 74

New Brown-Patch Remedies...................................................................................... 81

Summer Meeting of Greenkeepers ...............................................................  81

Questions and Answers .............................................................................................. 82

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Wynant D. Vanderpool, Chairman, 766 Broad 

Street, Newark, N. J.

Russell A. Oakley, Washington, D. C.
Harvey L. Westover, Washington, D. C.

H. Kendall Read, Philadelphia, Pa. 
Walter S. Harban, Washington, D. C.
H. Y. Barrow, New York, N. Y.
John Monteith, Jr., Washington, D. C.

RESEARCH COMMITTEE

Russell A. Oakley, Chairman, Washington, John Monteith, Jr., Pathologist.

Harvey L. Westover, Acting Chairman, Wash­

ington, D. C.

The Bulletin is published monthly by the United States Golf Association Green Section, 

Washington, D. C., at Room 7207, Building F, 7th and B Streets, N. W.

Address all MAIL to P. O. Box 313, Pennsylvania Avenue Station, Washington, D. C.
Send TELEGRAMS to Room 7209, Building F, 7th and B Streets, N. W., Washington, D. C.
Subscription Price: In United States of America, Mexico, and West Indies, $4.00 per year; in 

all other countries, $5.00 per year.

Entered as second-class matter, April 21, 1926, at the postoflfice at Washington, D. C., under 
the Act of March 3, 1879. Copyrighted, 1928, by the United States Golf Association Green Section.

66

April, 1928

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

W. A. Alexander, Chicago, Ill. 
Eberhard Anheuser, St. Louis, Mo. 
A. C. U. Berry, Portland, Oreg. 
N. S. Campbell, Providence, R. I. 
Wm. C. Fownes, Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa. 
F. H. Hillman, Washington, D. C. 
Thos. P. Hinman, Atlanta, Ga. 
Frederic C- Hood, Watertown, Mass. 
K. F. Kellerman, Washington, D. C. 
Norman Macbeth, Los Angeles, Calif.

E. J. Marshall, Toledo, Ohio. 
W. L. Pfeffer, St. Louis, Mo. 
George V. Rotan, Houston, Tex. 
Sherrill Sherman, Utica, N. Y. 
Frederick Snare, Havana, Cuba. 
James D. Standish, Jr., Detroit, Mich. 
W. R. Walton, Washington, D.* C. 
Alan D. Wilson, Philadelphia, Pa. 
M. H. Wilson, Jr., Cleveland, Ohio. 
Frank L. Woodward, Denver, Colo.

William F. Brooks
By H. C. Mackall

The sudden death of Senator William F. Brooks, of Minneapolis, 
on the 19th day of March, marked the passing of one of the most 
prominent and active men in golfing circles in the Northwest. For 
years golf in all its aspects, and particularly as to the work of the 
Green Section, had been the hobby of Mr. Brooks, and it was fortunate 
indeed for the game that he was was able to indulge in this hobby 
as he was wont.

He had been actively identified, however, with all of the largest 
golf organizations of the United States at one time or another. He 
had been a Vice-President and Director of the Western Golf Associa­
tion ; he had been the President and a Director of the Trans-Missis- 
sippi Golf Association; he had been President and Director of the 
Minnesota State Golf Association; he had been the Chairman of the 
Northwest Section of the Greens Association before it had been ab­
sorbed by the United States Golf Association, and since its absorption, 
he had been a member of the Green Section Committee; and he was 
a member of the Senior Golfers’ Association of the United States, 
being the first man from Minnesota to be so honored.

It is in connection with the Minikahda Club and the National 
Amateur Tournament held there last year that Senator Brooks be­
came best known to golfers all over the United Statas. By reason 
of his personality and activity the United States Golf Association’s 
Executive Committee had awarded this tournament as far west as 
Minneapolis for the first time in the history of the Association. Mr. 
Brooks was made General Chairman of the Tournament Committee 
for the Minikahda Club. If unsolicited statements of those who have 
attended these tournaments may be taken as a fair criterion, the suc­
cess of this tournament, as reflected in the smoothness of its opera­
tion, was in some respects the most successful tournament of its 
kind the United States Golf Association has held, and this success 
is attributable to the work of Mr. Brooks.

Although a man of large affairs, Senator Brooks, in addition to 
his golfing activities, was interested in the political activities of his 
party, and at the time of his death represented his district in the 
State Senate and was the Minnesota member of the Republican Na­
tional Committee.

For years the Minikahda Club and “Bill” Brooks were inseparably 
connected in thought and in fact. He was the only man for whom 
the club ever put aside its tradition that no one should be returned 
to its presidency, and honored both itself and Mr. Brooks in electing 
him President in 1921 when he had formerly served in that capacity 
in 1906. It was the greatest recognition a club could give a man, who

April, 1928

67

WILLIAM F. BROOKS

68 

April, 1928

over a period of 22 years had made the club an object of his affection 
and devotion.

To him golf was more than a game or a fleeting pastime. He 
appreciated the game in its finer aspects, knew it to be an opportunity 
for the close comradeship of the links, realized that the spirit of the 
rule was more often to be observed than the letter, and he believed 
that the honor of the game was not limited to the first shot at each 
tee, but extended from the first tee to the last hole. In his passing 
the game has lost one of its real leaders.

Appointment of Dr. John Montieth, Jr.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. John Montieth, Jr., who is 
well known to readers of The Bulletin as a result of his excellent 
work on turf grass diseases, has recently been employed by the United 
States Golf Association Green Section. He entered upon his new 
duties on April 1, and is to have charge of the research work. Dr. 
Monteith’s past training and experience and his interest in turf grass 
problems fit him admirably for these investigations, and we confi­
dently look forward to accomplishments that will be of great value 
to golf courses.

Effects of Individual Fertilizer Materials on Soil Reaction
By O. J. Noer, Madison, Wis.

Individual fertilizer materials affect soil reaction differently, some 
intensify and others reduce the acidity. In any program designed to 
modify soil reaction these specific effects must be considered.

The soluble acids dissolved in the soil water produce marked 
effects on vegetation, and the development of this acidity depends 
upon the presence in the soil of insoluble acids. It is the minute clay 
particles which become acid in character. In non-acid soils the clay 
is saturated with calcium, but additional calcium may be present in 
the form of lime carbonate. Until all the lime carbonate and appre­
ciable amounts of the calcium saturating the clay are removed, 
soluble acidity will not develop. In humid regions the percolating 
waters, as they pass down through the soil, leach out calcium and the 
residual clay particles eventually become acid. Fortunately those 
materials which cause acidity accelerate the removal of calcium and 
thus hasten development of insoluble acids, the reservoir from which 
soluble acids are formed.

The insoluble clay is a complex salt exhibiting acid properties 
when its basic calcium is removed. Mineral fertilizers are also salts, 
containing an acidic and basic portion, and are usually water soluble. 
Those capable of yielding soluble acids contain a basic portion which 
the insoluble acid clay can absorb, leaving the soluble acid dissolved 
m the soil water. The basic material absorbed by the clay reduces
Pr<?duSing Power, but re-solution usually takes place, especi­
ally, if the basic portion is ammonia or potassium and leaves the clav 
unimpaired in acid properties.

The organic fertilizers have little effect on soil reaction until 
broken down into simpler substances by the soil micro-organisms, 
and any changes that do occur are therefore secondary, resulting 

April, 1928

69

from the interaction of these simpler materials with the soil con­
stituents.

Acid soils contain iron and aluminum in combination (basic salts, 
hydroxides or oxides) capable of forming insoluble compounds with 
phosphoric acid, and thus nullify any effect the phosphoric acid might 
have on soil reaction.

The action of individual fertilizers is based on the above prin­
ciples. Fertilizers are grouped according to the predominating plant 
food constituent, and may be further subdivided depending upon the 
chemical nature of the plant food element. In the main, members 
of each sub-group exert similar effects on soil reaction, differing only 
in degree.

The Nitrogenous Fertilizers

Fertilizer nitrogen exists in three main forms, either as ammonia, 
.organic, or nitrate nitrogen. The ammonia fertilizers increase 
acidity, the organic carriers produce the same effects if free from 
basic materials, and the nitrates decrease acidity. The mechanism 
whereby these changes take place are best discussed for each im­
portant material.

Ammonium sulfate.—This fertilizer is the peer of all so far as 
increasing acidity is concerned. When applied to a soil already acid 
the ammonia is first taken up by the acid clay and sulfuric acid re­
mains in solution. If the acid clay still contains calcium capable of 
being released it dissolves and then unites with the free sulfuric acid 
to form calcium sulfate (gypsum), a soluble, neutral salt which 
leaches out in the drainage waters. This leaves the clay more acid. 
The absorbed ammonia is gradually converted to nitric acid by soil 
micro-organisms, and either increases the soluble acidity or combines 
with more calcium. The net result is to markedly increase the 
acidity of the insoluble clay, and eventually a condition is reached 
where the clay becomes exhausted of all replaceable calcium. The 
peculiar effectiveness of ammonium sulfate results from the com­
bined effect of the nitric and sulfuric acids.

Sulfate of ammonia accelerates the removal of lime carbonate 
from non-acid soil, calcium sulfate being formed and subsequently 
washed out in the drainage waters.

Ammonium phosphate.—This fertilizer increases soil acidity but 
is not as effective as sulfate of ammonia, because the phosphoric acid 
is precipitated in the soil as insoluble phosphate. If the soil is acid 
iron or aluminum phosphate is formed and in non-acid soil calcium 
phosphate is precipitated. Thus the sole effect on soil reaction de­
pends upon the nitric acid formed from the ammonia by the soil 
organisms.

Organic nitrogen fertilizers.—The effect on soil reaction depends 
upon the nitrogen content and the amount of extraneous basic ma­
terials. In the soil the organic nitrogen is ultimately converted into 
nitric acid by the soil organisms, and this tends to make the soil acid. 
Naturally the effect is most pronounced with those materials having 
a high nitrogen content, such as dried blood, and least with materials 
of low nitrogen content, such as the animal manures. Any basic 
substances are finally converted into carbonates which have alkaline 
properties. This occurs to the lime contained in manure, and if the 
amount is sufficient this lime may overcome the acid producing power 

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April, 1928

of the nitric acid formed from the nitrogen. Bone meal and tankage 
usually contain sufficient lime to overshadow the nitrogen. It is 
doubtful if organic fertilizers ever markedly increase acidity.

Urea is usually classed as an organic fertilizer. Unlike the ma­
jority of organic materials it is completely water soluble. Plants are 
said to be able to take up urea direct, and where this occurs there 
can be no change in soil reaction. However, the nitrogen of urea is 
easily transformed to ammonia in the soil, and this in turn to nitric 
acid, so the tendency is to increase soil acidity whenever the urea is 
not taken up direct.

Nitrate fertilizers.—There are two nitrate fertilizers on the mar­
ket, namely, nitrate of soda and calcium nitrate. They differ solely 
in the basic portion of the salt. In nitrate of soda the element sodium 
is the base, and in calcium nitrate it is calcium. Nitrate of soda is 
refined from natural deposits in Chile, and calcium nitrate is pro­
duced synthetically in Germany. Both materials tend to decrease 
soil acidity. Nitrate nitrogen is the form preferred by most plants, 
and when the nitrogen is taken up the basic portion, either sodium 
or calcium, remains and combines with the insoluble acid clay, thus 
neutralizing some of its acid and reducing its power to liberate soluble 
acids.

Phosphatic Fertilizers

There are three principle sources of phosphoric acid, namely acid 
phosphate, ammonium phosphate and bone meal. While other mate­
rials frequently contain some phosphoric acid, they are usually used 
primarily to supply other plant food elements. Excepting ammonium 
phosphate, they all reduce soil acidity.

Acid phosphate.—This is the most widely used source of phos­
phoric acid. The name refers to the process of manufacture and not 
its effect upon soil reaction. It is produced by treating raw rock 
phosphate, mined in Florida, Tennessee and the Carolinas, with sul­
furic acid. This converts the insoluble calcium phosphate into a 
soluble phosphate. A portion of the calcium from the original rock 
is converted into calcium sulfate, a neutral salt, and the resulting 
soluble phosphate contains less calcium per unit of phosphoric acid 
than the original rock. When applied to the soil acid phosphate tends 
to make the soil less acid. On acid soils the phosphoric acid combines 
with iron and aluminum to form insoluble phosphates, and the cal­
cium is released in a form capable of uniting with the acid clay and 
reducing its acid properties. The effect is slight since the amounts 
of phosphate ordinarily^ used are small, so for all practical purposes 
the reduction is slight.

Ammonium phosphate.—As explained above, the effect on soil re­
action is due solely to the nitrogen, since the phosphoric acid is pre­
cipitated in the soil as an insoluble phosphate and thus removed from 
the soil solution. Ammonium phosphate is less effective than am­
monium sulfate in increasing soil acidity.

Bone meal.—There are two principle grades of bone meal, steamed 
and raw bone. The steamed meal contains about 2*4 per cent nitro­
gen and 27 per cent phosphoric acid, while the raw bone contains 
approximately 4 per cent nitrogen and a little more than 20 per cent 
phosphoric acid. Besides the insoluble calcium phosphate, bone also 

April, 1'928

71

contains some lime carbonate. As soil processes convert the insoluble 
calcium to soluble phosphate, a portion of the calcium is released as 
lime carbonate, which with the lime carbonate naturally in the bone, 
reduces soil acidity by reacting with the acid clay.

Basic slag.—This is a commonly used phosphatic fertilizer in 
Europe but is rarely used in America. It contains free lime carbon­
ate, and insoluble calcium phosphate, and hence reduces soil acidity.
Potash Fertilizers

The potash-containing fertilizers are imported from Germany and 
France. Muriate and sulfate of potash are the common carriers, 
both water soluble and containing 50 per cent potash. They are salts, 
the potash being the basic portion and muriatic (hydrochloric) or 
sulfuric acid constitute the acid portion. When applied to the soil 
they increase soluble acidity. The basic potash is taken up and held 
by the acid clay and the acid, either muriatic or sulfuric, remains in 
the soil solution. While the absorbed potash reduces the acid pro­
ducing power of the clay, as soluble potash is withdrawn from the 
soil solution by the grass roots the absorbed potash gradually dis­
solves and the acid producing power of the clay is slowly restored.

Soil Amendments

These are substances added to the soil, not primarily as sources 
of plant food, but to modify soil reaction or physical soil conditions. 
Three materials, namely, lime, gypsum and sulfur, deserve consid­
eration.

Lime.—Agricultural lime is commonly crushed limestone or lime 
carbonate, although hydrated lime or quick lime are occasionally used. 
When limestone is burned in a kiln, carbon dioxide escapes and quick 
lime is formed. Hydrated lime results when quick lime “slacks” with 
water. Approximately 56 pounds quick lime and 74 pounds hydrated 
lime are equivalent in neutralizing power to 100 pounds crushed 
limestone.

When any of the above forms of lime are applied to acid soils, 
marked reduction of acidity takes place. Hydrated and quick lime 
due to their greater solubility act much more quickly than the in­
soluble crushed limestone. The lime supplies basic calcium which 
completely neutralizes the soluble and insoluble acids if applications 
are sufficiently heavy. The by-products of the neutralizing action 
are water in the case of hydrated and quick lime, and carbonic acid 
(carbon dioxide) with the crushed limestone. Carbonic acid is a 
gas which escapes into the air and since water is neutral the net result 
is marked decrease in soil acidity.

Gypsum.—In times past gypsum was commonly used by agricul­
turists, but is now rarely applied to soils. Gypsum, also known as 
calcium sulfate, is a neutral salt consisting of calcium combined with 
sulfuric acid. When applied to very acid soils the first effect should 
be to increase soluble acidity. The acid clay absorbs the calcium and 
leaves the sulfuric acid dissolved in the soil water. If the gypsum 
applications are heavy, after the soluble acid leaches out in the drain­
age waters, the clay gradually releases calcium to the soil water and 
soluble acidity is reduced until marked removal of calcium takes 
place. Gypsum is sometimes used in attempts to flocculate heavy 
clay soils.

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April, 1928

Sulfur.—There are specific micro-organisms in the soil capable 
of converting sulfur into sulfuric acid. The presence of air to supply 
oxygen and moisture are essential. Sulfur in limited amounts, 
mixed with topdressing, should promote soil acidity, and its use may 
prove valuable in regions where conditions make it difficult to create 
acidity by the sole use of acid-producing fertilizers.

In the next article the possibilities of introducing lime and other 
basic substances in sand, and in other materials, in quantities suffi­
cient to overcome the acid-producing powers of the fertilizers, will 
be discussed, and the lime content of a few typical sands from some 
localities will be included.

The Service Rendered by the United States Golf Association 
Green Section to the Golfers of America *
By William C. McKnight, President, Baltusrol Golf Club, Short Hills, N. J.
When I was asked to make a few remarks to you today and was 
told of the topic it created great surprise in me. I could not con­
ceive why, from my own standpoint, and holding the opinion that 1 
do with respect to the work of the Green Section, there could be the 
slightest doubt in the mind of anybody with respect to that Section 
and the splendid work that has been done by it. But it is often well 
to look back over work in a retrospective attitude and to take stock.
This is an age of experts and an age of very intensive scientific 
searching for facts. You all have in mind notable instances of that, 
but I may remind you of the research laboratory of the General 
Motors Company. It is very extensive. It is doing an enormous 
work. It is probably more directly responsible for the vast improve­
ments in structure and operation of automotive engines and auto­
mobiles than any work that is going on in the country today. The 
research laboratory of the General Electric Company is vast and its 
work is directly responsible for most of the modern improvements 
in electric devices. (The most notable instance, I suppose with which 
you are all familiar is the development of the metal filament lamps 
which were perfected in the research laboratory of the General Elec­
tric Company.) The Bureau of Standards at Washington is doing 
a most gratifying work, the benefits of which are widespread through­
out the entire country. I have no doubt that it was due to knowledge 
of such facts that Mr. Whitney and his associates in the management 
of the United States Golf Association in 1921 conceived and organ­
ized the Green Section. In his annual address in 1922, I learn from 
the reports that he stated to the meeting with respect to the GrPPn 
Section: “Its object is to form a central distributing station in order 
to gather and send out to the golf clubs in the United States infor­
mation of value relative to the upkeep and preservation of the finer 
grasses; also to advise the green committees of the golf clubs in this 
country on all matters that will be of benefit to them and thereby 
save a great deal of the money that has hitherto been wasted through 
lack of proper information.” 

s

That was very prophetic of what has happened. It was their 
idea to establish for golf a great research laboratory and to dissemi-

* Address given at annual meeting of the United States Golf Association

York City, January 6, 1928. 

-association Green Section at New 

April, 1928

73

nate to all of the golf clubs of the country all the knowledge gained 
by the workers in the Green Section.

As I look upon the work of the Green Section, it seems to me that 
there are three notable successes. Of course, the first is the research 
laboratory, as I may call it, in Washington, where this devoted 
band of men are working all together, as Mr. Westover has told us, 
carrying on all these experiments and searching out scientific facts 
for our benefit.

The second is The Bulletin, which disseminates not only the 
knowledge gained there, but the knowledge and experience which we 
have gained from our own direct contact with the work.

The third, to my mind, is the exposure of a great many false ideas 
that we all had in the early days when there was no source of infor­
mation with respect to greenkeeping. These are really notable suc­
cesses.

Just a word as to some personal experiences. When I had the 
work of the green committee wished on me I suppose I had about as 
much knowledge of greenkeeping as a new-born babe, which is nil. 
I was somewhat flabbergasted, and I sought for information. The 
first thing I found was that very good book of Dr. Piper and Dr. Oak­
ley, “Turf for Golf Courses.” I purchased two of those books, one of 
which I gave to our professional, and one of which I studied. From 
that work I acquired a good deal of information. Then, fortunately, 
came The Bulletin, which was taken in triplicate by our club. It 
has been and still constitutes our bible. Last year, when I had occa­
sion to advise a golf club with respect to some troubles they were 
having, I thought I would get hold of the greenkeeper and have a talk 
with him. I found that he was an excellent man in many ways, but 
he was one of the old-fashioned fellows without any very great knowl­
edge about grasses or the diseases of grasses. I turned to him and 
said, “I suppose you read The Bulletin.” He said, “Ah! that is 
bunk; that is all theory.” Fortunately, that attitude has very largely 
gone by. I think there is some of it yet, but a man who holds that 
view today soon passes out; and he passed out.

Another experience: George Low and I were having an accumu­
lation of troubles four or five years ago at Baltusrol. We had brown­
patch very badly in our greens, with weeds and grubs in our fair­
ways, and if anything can break the heart of a greenkeeper it is to get 
all of these things at once. We were both much discouraged and we 
talked about various things. George said to me, “Mr. McKnight, this 
greenkeeper’s work is a terrible job. You not only have to have 
knowledge of grasses and all fertilizers, but you have got to be a me­
chanical engineer and a chemist.” That lament, I think, was quite 
prevalent for a while.

One other experience which we have had at Baltusrol concerns 
velvet bent, and we look upon it as rather an interesting experiment. 
Three or four years ago we thought it might be possible to propagate 
velvet bent vegetatively. So far as we knew it had not been done and 
we had no facts to go upon, but we tried it. We were fortunate in 
having a good deal of velvet bent through our fairways. Major Jones 
gathered up all he could get, which we planted in the nurseries. The 
next year we had very gratifying success with it. It spread quite, 
prolifically, and we now have two greens in our upper course which: 
have been established with velvet bent from the nurseries and which 

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April, 1928

are very good at the present time. The grass is very promising, cer­
tainly in the northern belt, where velvet bent thrives. I personally 
like velvet bent very much better than creeping bent. The color is 
more pleasing and I think the texture is very much better for putting 
surface.

Here is a practical illustration of the worth of The Bulletin to 
all of us. Major Jones wrote an article, which was published in the 
August number, giving his experience with the propagation of velvet 
bent stolons; in the September number a man from Massachu­
setts wrote that he had tried the same experiment with gratifying 
success; and in the October number there was another instance of 
the same thing. There is your value of The Bulletin in disseminat­
ing knowledge. There were three men, working independently with­
out any knowledge of each other’s work, all to the same purpose, and 
through the dissemination of such knowledge all of us are benefited. 
The growth of this Section is exceedingly gratifying.

I am informed that in 1921 there were 287 members of the Green 
Section. Today there are about 1,000. This idea has spread to 
Canada and England. So, gentlemen, to Mr. Whitney and his asso­
ciates whose wisdom and vision conceived and organized this section; 
to Dr. Piper and Dr. Oakley, whose driving force and initiative and 
work brought this child up to lusty manhood; and to this band of de­
voted workers, of whom Mr. Westover is one in Washington, who are 
carrying on this work, every golf club in this country, every golfer in 
this country, and every green chairman and all greenkeepers owe a 
profound debt of gratitude.

How the Green Section Can be Helped by Clubs, Green 
Committee Chairman and Greenkeepers*
By Sherrill Sherman, Yahnundasis Golf Club, Utica, N. Y.

I just want to break in a little on my prepared talk to bear testi­
mony, in addition to Mr. McKnight’s, to the success we have had at 
Utica in the use of velvet bent on our greens from the vegative 
method. In 1922 we did as Mr. McKnight did—we went out in the 
fairgreen and picked the best looking pieces that we could find. Some­
times the men were not as careful as they might have been, with the 
result that we had some splendid patches of fescue which aid not do 
much spreading. The velvet bent spread and produced beautiful 
turf, and I quite agree with Mr. McKnight that The Bulletin 
disseminated that knowledge following the article of Mr. Jones. That 
is why I am taking this opportunity to bear the testimony of Utica 
that it is possible to produce turf from velvet bent by the vegetative 
method.

In thinking over the subjects that I might be able to discuss in an 
intelligible manner, it occurred to me that the picture has shown too 
much of the help that the Green Section is giving to all of us and 
that we had lost sight somewhat of the importance of the assistance 
that we can give the Green Section. After hearing the splendid 
address showing clearly the completeness of the service rendered by 
the Green Section, I am more than pleased that my choice of a subject 

•Address given at annual meeting of the United States Golf Association Green Section at New 

York City. January 6, 1928.

April, 1928

75

will show, I hope, how we can properly repay the Green Section for 
the results accomplished for the golf clubs of this country.

I realize that I will undoubtedly bring nothing new or startling to 
your attention, but it has always taken much repetition to make even 
the most obvious truth accepted. I will hope that by giving some 
suggestions I can bring them to your attention forcibly enough to 
accomplish something. All suggestions will not fit all persons, but 
surely we can, at least in some way, put our shoulders to the wheel 
and give a push that will keep our “band wagon of greenkeeping 
progress” rolling steadily forward without any stops or even hesita­
tion in its continued advance for our own good. I speak of our own 
good as it relates to golf and greenkeeping. This fine attendance 
this morning is concrete evidence that we have an interest in other 
things concerning golf beside playing the game. Golf, with its great 
capital investment and all its ramifications, has truly become a big 
business and so we must give the best in us for its advancement and 
for the adequate support of our leaders.

Today we meet especially to hear and consider these problems and 
their solutions applying to the physical upkeep of our grounds, how 
better methods can be used, how to avoid mistakes, and to learn how 
much can be accomplished by cooperation. Having at times been 
tempted to allow my pen to run away with itself and so appear in 
print, I have been really surprised how widespread the interest is in 
our problems as shown by the far-distant localities from which I have 
received letters of comment.

What support does the Green Section want or expect from its 
followers? The answer is short and two words tell the whole story— 
money and interest. We all know that it takes money to give Us 
working material with which to work out our ideas, and many an 
inventor has sold a large share in his invention to obtain the funds 
to continue his experimental work to a final triumph. Do not get 
worried when I speak of money, for there is to be no personal appeal 
or touch on my part, but at your leisure I hope those who are here in 
person and those readers of The Bulletin who are absent will take 
these suggestions to heart and let the Green Section profit thereby.

When Mr. Westover so kindly asked me to speak at the annual 
meeting of the Green Section it occurred to me that, being a mem­
ber of the Advisory Committee, I might speak more freely in asking 
for help than the modesty of those in active control would allow. It 
was for this reason that I chose my subject. As you may well sur­
mise, it will not be technical or filled with practical hints for easier or 
better greenkeeping, but you will agree that full support by all, to 
the extent of our abilities, will enable the Green Section to accom­
plish much more.

Our problem, if problem it can be called, should be viewed com­
prehensively as a whole and then divided into its constituent parts. 
I shall therefore take as the first heading “What Are the Needs of 
the Green Section?” and give as an answer “Money and Interest”; 
and for the second heading, “Helps, What, When and How?” If I 
am able in a clear and simple way to list our possible methods of help­
ing the Green Section, and if by so doing each one of those present 
as well as the absent readers of The Bulletin are enabled to assist in 
a way which would not burden the individual or club, then I shall feel 
that I have been of help, if only in a small way.

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April, 1928

To digress a moment from my subject, I desire to mention Dr. 
Piper and his value, especially to The Bulletin, and it is said with 
no thought of invidious comparison, but he certainly had the knack 
of being able to get adequate contributions to The Bulletin. If we 
desire more articles of interest, and if we comment because of what 
may appear to us as their scarcity as we read The Bulletin monthly, 
the blame comes back primarily upon ourselves, for we, with our 
large numbers, voluntarily should send in contributions to keep the 
editors busy editing rather than pleading with us to do our part for 
the success of The Bulletin.

Just think how interesting it would be if every person who 
attended the summer convention at Washington had written his per­
sonal impression of the work being carried on there and of the meet­
ing, of course with the thought that the editorial shears be allowed 
full sway in putting such letters into proper shape for publishing in 
The Bulletin, emphasizing the high points of each communication.
I might say that the greens at the Garden City Golf Club in 1908, 
by their splendidness at a time when good greens were decidedly the 
exception, aroused in me an interest in the greenkeeping side of golf 
that has continued unabated. That year I returned to Utica with the 
desire that our greens should be improved so that they would ap­
proach the Garden City standard, and I believe that I can truthfully 
say, from the favorable comment that has been expressed by the rank 
and file of golfers, as well as those especially equipped with knowl­
edge, both amateur and professional, that this hope has been quite 
well realized. And what a help in those days would the present 
Green Section have been to us who were out of touch, except occasion­
ally, with the better things in greenkeeping.

Since through the clubs must come primarily the answer to the 
first part of our Green Section problem of needed help, that of ade­
quate financial support, so from the green committee chairmen and 
the greenkeepers must come the needed interest. With our work thus 
divided it is now proper to proceed to show how each can do his 
part.

In view of the fact that the Green Section was established for the 
direct benefit of the golf clubs of the United States, whether members 
of the United States Golf Association or not, the least that the clubs 
themselves can do, with their individual members and the clubs’ 
greenkeeping organizations, is to give their whole-hearted support 
The Green Section has no axe to grind nor individual product to 
boost, but is interested solely in the good that can be accomplished 
for the benefit of the clubs. In words that perhaps are somewhat 
slangy, take the position of being a “booster.” We are not all fitted 
with scientific minds, but we have eyes and should with a little care 
note anything new or out of the ordinary. Unquestionably some of 
the greatest advances of civilization have come from chance remarks 
or observations which have been developed by those of scientific or 
inventive minds. Since the Green Section was organized, the great 
wisdom of combining science with practical work in the field has 
yearly become more clearly demonstrated.

As a practical matter of dollars and time, it is not possible for 
the scientists of the Green Section to personally observe everything 
at the different clubs. Trained men are not available, nor have the 

April, 1928

77

funds been sufficient to finance all such trips. When visiting another 
club, check things over and give, if you can, any helpful suggestions 
in a friendly manner, for even friendly criticism sometimes seems 
like stepping on one’s toes, and the pleasanter the manner the more 
likely such suggestions will be gladly received. As is likely, if the 
knowledge that you are passing along came from the Green Section, 
be sure to give the Green Section credit, for the Green Section is 
really but a reservoir of knowledge which we all have helped to fill. 
Since none of our golf courses are perfect or perfectly cared for, 
sometimes a quite evident fault to an outsider is passed by daily by 
our organization. Since local conditions may be such that the same 
results cannot be obtained as at your home course, be not too sure of 
yourself in expressing an opinion. As I look back at some years 
of greenkeeping experience, with possibly a local favorable reputa­
tion in accomplishing results, I am greatly impressed with this fact— 
that nature made things easy for me and that many others, much 
more efficient, have not obtained due credit because the natural con­
ditions under which they are working are extremely difficult. As we 
visit the different clubs and converse open-mindedly about our 
mutual problems, surely a feeling of friendly neighborhoodness will 
be created which cannot help but result to the good of our guiding 
force, the Green Section.

Now, as the saying is, “let’s get down to brass tacks” and see just 
what is the help that can best be given by each of us to the Green 
Section. I shall first enumerate with possibly a few words of com­
ment what the clubs can and should do.

First, every golf or country club in the United States should be­
long to the Green Section, and I believe that no matter how small 
the income or green expenditure, the item of dues to the United 
States Golf Association is one thing that should be included in every 
budget. No matter how small the yearly expense for upkeep or how 
simple the problems to be solved, the Green Section Bulletin or its 
officials can save a club money. Therefore, as a club becomes a mem­
ber it should exert every effort to induce other clubs with which it 
comes in contact to join. This effort for increased membership in the 
Green Section applies not only to individual clubs, but even more so 
to every district, state or greater territorial association to pledge 
itself to a 100 per cent membership of all clubs in its territory. If the 
club is so blind to its own good as to refuse to join, then get some 
individual member of that club to give the club a membership, which 
would be of more benefit to that club than any prize he might donate 
for club competition, and in the long run would bring to him greater 
thanks from the club membership.

Secondly, when clubs are financially able they should, I believe, 
put in their budget a contribution to the Green Section in proportion 
to their wealth. In doing this it would be but following the general 
procedure of life where the strong and able must do more than their 
exact share to offset the failure of certain clubs, through niggardli­
ness or financial straits, to bear their fair share of the burden.

Thirdly, when clubs are composed of individuals of means it is 
perfectly proper for such individuals to make donations to the Green 
Section. By such support cheaper golf can be provided by spreading 
the knowledge of more economical upkeep, thereby making golf avail­
able to many more players. It has become a fact beyond successful 

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April, 1928

dispute or denial that of all games played or enjoyed by man or 
woman, none does or can give as much physical and mental benefit, 
over as long a period of years, as golf, and the benefit of cheaper 
golf applies to the cost of upkeep for both private clubs and munici­
pal courses.

When I make this fourth suggestion I may be getting the Green 
Section into trouble, for I am not aware of the cost of The Bulletin, 
but if a large number of individual golfers would subscribe to it the 
benefit would be two-fold, by furnishing reliable information to the 
subscriber and by increased revenue to the Green .Section. Surely a 
considerable increase in the circulation should be’ profitable in that 
the overhead cost per copy would be reduced materially. A large 
body of golfers would become conversant with proper greenkeeping 
methods, thus not only being in position to check on, but also to assist 
in the work of their green committee. Unconsciously they would 
help in many ways, and would form a large potential supply of at 
least partially informed men from whom new committee chairmen 
could be chosen. This should be to the advantage of the individual 
club, for trained men are more efficient than those that must learn 
as they go.

That clubs should pay for special service rendered is, I believe, 
self-evident and fundamentally sound. If payment were made of at 
least the actual expenses of the expert who comes to advise the club 
regarding its special troubles, a larger force of trained workers could 
be available. In addition to the payment of the traveling expenses 
I believe that at least a nominal charge should be made, the amount 
depending upon membership of the club. This charge should be 
readily and promptly paid by the benefited club. The average club, 
either on the course or in the clubhouse, spends foolishly or actually 
wastes yearly much more than the cost would likely be for such a 
visit.

Besides the payment of expenses and services, a further sum 
should be sent to the Green Section in some just proportion to the 
money saved by following any special advice. I question whether 
there is a single club in the brown-patch belt that has not saved in a 
single year many times the yearly cost of dues in fighting that dreaded 
green disease. Furthermore, by following the recommendations of 
the Green Section, it is now possible to keep the greens in play con­
tinuously for the benefit of the members of the club. Without this 
knowledge many clubs would have had greens either out of play, in 
an attempt to restore the turf, or else very unsatisfactory greens.

The ways suggested, I believe, show a number of reasonable 
methods by which golf clubs of the country can help the Green Sec­
tion very effectively by largely increasing its income, without placing 
an undue burden on any club.

Now comes the green committee chairman’s opportunity to help. 
No club member who is not willing to benefit by the accumulated 
knowledge of the Green Section should accept this most important 
position in a club. In other words, he should be convinced even be­
fore he assumes the responsibiilities of his duties that the usage of 
that knowledge is of paramount importance, the biggest thing about 
his new obligations. Each retiring chairman should make it his duty 
to see that his successor be fully informed of the intelligent help 
available from the Green Section. The new chairman, being con­

April, 1928

79

vinced himself of its fundamental merit, should sell the idea of the 
Green Section and its methods to his greenkeeper, and through the 
greenkeeper to the entire working force. It has been said that one 
can lead a horse to water but cannot make him drink, but if one were 
clever enough to persuade the horse he is thirsty, the drinking would 
follow most naturally. So if the reasonableness and necessity of fol­
lowing exactly a certain method was properly explained, the work­
ing force would follow directions and avoid damage. I believe that 
a green committee chairman is entitled to and should include in his 
budget as a necessary expense an amount sufficient to have his green­
keeper, and in a large club the assistant, attend all meetings within 
a reasonable distance of the Green Section or associate district green 
sections. Probably in no way can his greenkeeper benefit more than 
in the interchange of ideas from contact with fellow-workers and 
those who know and are able to explain to him the solution of his 
problems. I would go so far as to say that it would be but a slight 
return for all the time spent if the green committee chairman were 
also sent as the guest of his club. Having spent a number of years 
as Chairman of the Green Committee at the Yahnundasis Golf Club, 
I believe I am qualified to speak as to how much time is required if 
justice is done to the work. While the member does not seek for 
reward, unfortunately bricks seem to come his way oftener than 
bouquets, and the privilege of attending these meetings with expenses 
paid would be a graceful gesture of appreciation.

Perhaps a few of you may remember that a year ago I wrote 
briefly of those qualifications that should be considered in selecting 
a green committee chairman. A club that succeeds in getting a mem­
ber with such qualifications to accept the position is fortunate indeed. 
It is almost needless to remark, yet I feel I should emphasize the value 
of such a man in furthering the work of the Green Section. He would 
be continuously passing on the good word about the Green Section, 
not only to club members and the greenkeeping organization of his 
own club, but also to those of other clubs with whom he comes in con­
tact. Such efforts on his part surely would result in great good.

And now we come to the aid that can be rendered the Green Sec­
tion by the greenkeepers and their force, the practical men who are 
on the job—one might say those who are in the front line trenches, 
to whom it seems as if some one of the forces of nature were always 
waging war against their work, as if nature delighted to be on its bad 
behavior. When I speak last of the help that can be given by the 
greenkeeping organization I by no means desire you to think I con­
sider it the least important because mentioned last. It is of the 
greatest value, for it is the men actually doing the work whose keen 
observations mean real progress. A method, no matter how sound, 
can be utterly defeated if the men using it are careless or uninformed, 
just as without doubt improvements will be introduced by the careful 
observer. As we all know, conditions vary widely on practically 
every golf course in the country, even from hole to hole, green to 
green, so methods that are successful in one place may be a failure 
elsewhere. Here is where the greenkeeper can be of value in deter­
mining the reason for such lack of success.

The pioneer work has been done, yet there is much more to be 
accomplished. There are still numerous clubs and their members 

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April, 1928

who are not familiar with the new methods that are so helpful in 
greenkeeping. If a new green committee chairman is open-minded, 
progressive and intelligent, and properly informed by his predecessor, 
the first thing that he should do, after becoming acquainted with his 
organization, is to ascertain their knowledge of the Green Section. 
If the Green Section is unknown to the greenkeeper he should be 
properly informed regarding the work of the Green Section and 
urged to adopt methods that experiments have shown to give best 
results.

Greenkeepers should conduct more individual experiments in vari­
ations from the suggested standards. Because proper experiments 
involve much time, labor and expense, Arlington turf garden is 
handicapped in the number that can be undertaken there. But think 
how many would be under way if each greenkeeper were carrying on 
only six, intelligently and scientifically. Careful record should be 
kept, for experiments are of little value if not properly recorded and 
checked.

In such a way the greenkeeper can help much by careful study 
and observation of the success or failure under his own local condi­
tions. If a greenkeeper would keep an old-fashioned diary, putting 
down in his own words and in his own way a report of the improve­
ments that he has accomplished, or the failures, as to methods, ma­
terial or workmanship, it would be of surpassing value. I know he 
would be surprised to find how little time it would take daily to write 
out the most interesting thing that had occurred in his work that 
day. This would soon become almost a habit and his daily entry 
would be made almost subconsciously and with little effort. Later on 
how he would enjoy reading all the interesting occurrences of the 
season! I can assure you that no more interesting articles could or 
would appear in The Bulletin than these self-same diary reports, 
be they long or short. Being actual records, naturally they would 
carry more weight. If a prize contest were held for the most inter­
esting diary of a season’s work, I know that there would be many 
competitors and the winner would be well worthy of the record.

I think that you will agree with my opening statement that I have 
said nothing new or startling but have endeavored to bring home 
to you in a simple, logical way some few facts. I realize that I 
have not named them all by a long shot, by which all of us can do our 
part according to our abilities and opportunities, returning that help 
to the Green Section which it has so freely and ably given us in the 
past and which it will be even more ready to supply in the future.

Just one thing more I desire to mention. Of all the good things 
that the United States Golf Association has done for the advance­
ment of golf in the United States, nothing, in my opinion, has been of 
more actual benefit than its sponsoring and backing of the Green 
Section. To the individuals from whose brains that idea first came 
forth, a monument should be erected, financed by willing contribu­
tions of the golf clubs of the country. I believe there is no more fit­
ting site than the turf garden of the Arlington Agricultural Experi­
ment Farm, possibly copying the idea and action of the United States 
Golf Association in commemorating the holding of the Amateur 
Championship at each club by placing there an appropriate sun dial, 
suitably inscribed. In addition, a bronze tablet should be placed in 
the clubhouse of each of those thoughtful pioneers, so that all their 

April, 1928

81

friends might be aware of the great service he had assisted in per­
forming by the creation of the Green Section. I think I am safe in 
saying that the Green Section, by its wise advice, has been as great 
a financial aid to clubs in saving money to such an extent as to have 
kept the dues from being raised, which touches each of us personally.
It seems to me but fitting that a tribute should be given to the 
present Green Section leaders. If one has done good work it is but 
natural that he be pleased if such work is commended. And so I 
desire to suggest to those present that whenever you can, and with 
the work of the Green Section so successful I know that will be often, 
write commendatory letters to those responsible for the work at 
Washington. Every letter of encouragement is another nail in the 
coffin of that relentless enemy of golf—“The Devil in Charge of 
Greenkeeping Troubles.”

New Brown-Patch Remedies

We have received a number of inquiries concerning two new 
fungicides * for brown-patch control which have recently been placed 
on the market. The active ingredients of each are bichloride of 
mercury and calomel. One preparation consists of one-third bichlo­
ride, and two-thirds calomel. The other contains one-sixth bichloride, 
one-third calomel, and one-half inert material. Since these mixtures 
are based on suggestions made in the November, 1927, Bulletin, we 
refer readers to page 214 of that number of The Bulletin for our 
opinion as to the possible effectiveness of these new mixtures. Many 
clubs will no doubt find that there are some advantages in using a 
prepared mixture such as one of the above but others will probably 
prefer to buy the chemicals separately and mix them as needed. It is 
necessary to mix chemicals thoroughly with compost or in water (de­
pending on the method used in making the applications)) so these 
fungicides will require mixing, whether purchased separately or 
already combined. The preparation containing inert material is not 
as likely to form large lumps, as is the other mixture or the separate 
chemicals, so should mix somewhat more readily with compost. How­
ever, it should be remembered that this inert material does not con­
trol disease, and if a club is interested in economical buying care must 
be taken not to pay too much for this rather minor advantage of in­
creased bulk due to inert material.

Summer Meeting of Greenkeepers

In the March number of The Bulletin it was suggested that 
greenkeepers express their preference as to the place and time for 
the summer meeting. There apparently is little choice as to the 
time but there is some difference of opinion as to whether the meet­
ing should be held at Atlantic City or at Washington. We have there­
fore decided to compromise and arrange meetings at both places. The 
regular meeting will be held, as originally suggested, at Atlantic City, 
on June 4 and 5. For the benefit of those who have expressed a de-

'* Calo-Clor and Turfcalomel. 

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April, 1928

sire to visit the Arlington Turf Garden, we are planning an informal 
meeting at Washington following the Atlantic City meeting. At that 
time we will have the numerous plots on the Turf Garden well labeled 
and will arrange for a complete demonstration of the experimental 
work in progress there. These two meetings will be independent so 
greenkeepers can attend either or both. Those coming from the West 
or South can arrange for the stop-over privilege at Washington on 
their through railroad tickets and so will be able to include the visit 
to Arlington with no additional transportation expense. The meet­
ing at Washington will be altogether informal and will enable those 
who are interested in the work to discuss the experiments more 
thoroughly than was permitted in the brief time allotted to the Turf 
Garden visit last August. Many changes have been made on the Turf 
Garden since last summer’s meeting, and we feel sure interested 
greenkeepers and green committee, chairmen will find many experi­
ments in progress which will fully justify the time and expense of 
such a visit. Plans will be given in greater detail in the May number 
of The Bulletin.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
AU questions sent to the Green Section will be answered in a letter 
to the writer as promptly as possible. The more! interesting of these 
questions, with concise answers, will appear in this column each month. If 
your experience leads you to disagree with any answer given in this column, 
it is your privilege and duty to write to the Green Section.

While most of the answers are of general application, please bear in 
mind that each recommendation is intended specifically for the locality 
designated at the end of the question.

1. Liming fairways.—Recently we found that one-third of our 
fairways were sweet while the others were found slightly sour, and 
we were advised to use three or four tons of limestone per acre. Our 
fairways are not in a bad condition but the turf could be a little 
thicker for perfect fairways. What is your opinion concerning the 
use of limestone? (Illinois.)

Answer.—We certainly would not advise you to apply lime as a 
topdressing on your golf course. In some cases a limited amount of 
lime worked into the soil before seeding seems to be advantageous, 
but as a topdressing we seldom recommend its use. It has a tendency 
to encourage clover, which is quite objectionable on most golf courses, 
and ordinarily stimulates the desirable turf grasses only slightly if 
at all. It would be much better for you to invest your money in some 
fertilizer that is relatively high in nitrogen, such as cottonseed meal, 
Milorganite, or ammonium sulfate. We have seen some very excellent 
results in improving turf on fairways from the use of such fertilizers.

2. Seaside bent in Georgia.—We have been informed that the 
California golf courses are having considerable success in the plant­

April, 1928

83

ing of seaside bent grass on their greens. Do you think it would be 
worth our while to make an experiment with this grass in Georgia? 
(Georgia.)

Answer.—While we have had very little experience with seaside 
bent in the southeastern states, judging from the results obtained 
with closely related grasses we doubt that seaside bent would survive 
your summers satisfactorily. One of the puzzling phenomena con­
nected with most grasses growing in temperate climates is that every 
one of them has a fairly definite southern limit. In the East the 
southern limit of bent is about the northern limit of the Cotton Belt. 
Curiously enough, in the drier half of the United States the bents 
succeed farther south than they do in the eastern part of the country. 
There are some very excellent seaside bent greens in Southern Cali­
fornia, where the summer temperatures are higher than in Georgia, 
but the humidity conditions are entirely different. As yet we have 
no record of any one having been successful in making a permanent 
putting green of bent as far south as Georgia. While we do not care 
to say that it can’t be grown, the chances of success are very small.

3. Tobacco stems as a fertilizer and worm killer.—We do not 
wish to cover our bent nursery with manure as it will bring worms 
and weeds. Could tobacco stems be used instead? Our regular 
greens are infested with worms. Would the juice from boiled to­
bacco stems kill worms and be of benefit to the grass? (North 
Carolina.)

Answer.—We have had no experience with tobacco juice in rid­
ding a green of earthworms. From knowledge gained through other 
sources we are pretty well convinced, however, that it would not be 
as efficient or economical as the bichloride treatment.

4. Fertilizer to replace compost.—Will you kindly give us your 
opinion regarding a statement in advertising literature that golf 
greens can be satisfactorily maintained, and in fact, better main­
tained without the use of compost for topdressing? What do you 
think of a published statement that the use of such compost is some­
times the cause of brown-patch? (Ohio.)

Answer.—We always look with suspicion on any new theory on 
golf course maintenance when that theory is apparently prompted 
chiefly by the obvious motive of increasing sales. Compost, in addi­
tion to carrying plant food, serves to improve the putting surface. 
There is still some question as to the best amount of compost needed 
for maintaining good greens but there seems to be a united opinion 
throughout the country that some compost is necessary to maintain 
a good putting surface. Many greens are kept in good condition with 
much less than the usual rate of topdressing, but in spite of all the 
elaborate claims made for some fertilizers, we have yet to see a clear 
demonstration which could be interpreted as adequate proof that a 
fertilizer can entirely replace compost, especially on bent greens 
planted with stolons. We feel that the published statement concern­
ing compost as the cause of brown-patch is merely “sales-talk.”

AS WE FIND THEM

Sitting at a banquet table with some “turf nuts” we overheard this conver­
sation. One green committee chairman asked, “Why is it we have all this bother 
with fertilizing turf in this country? They scarcely ever think of fertilizers in 
England and Scotland.”

All turned to hear a veteran G. C. C. boldly reply: “You see it is this way.” 
(His start showed he was also a veteran golfer with a poorly-disguised alibi 
habit.) “Under certain conditions plants can take up nitrogen from the air and 
over there grass apparently can get all the nitrogen it needs from air. In this 
country we have to supply the nitrogen by means of fertilizers.”

The amusing part was the seriousness of both speaker and 

listeners.

Wires crossed somewhere! We always had a notion air was the same stuff 
the world ’round. Perhaps the “such a different atmosphere in the old world” 
we hear so much about is due to some different chemical composition.

Or did he have his botany mixed? We are told leguminous 
plants take up nitrogen from the air but plants of the grass family 
do not. Some “turf nuts” become so seriously afflicted that they 
recognize no other plant than grass. When one speaks of “other 
plants” such a deranged individual thinks the speaker is simply re­
ferring to “grass on some other course, or in some other country.”

A mid-western G. C. C. remarked, “Those people who say ‘commercial humus’ 
is of little value for golf greens are all cuckoo. Why don’t they come to life and 
learn something about topdressing? Why, that is all we use on our greens and 
we sure do get wonderful results. Come over and look at our pile of black humus. 
We use it just as it is without mixing with anything.”

What crimes are committed in words! We took one hasty glance at his pile 
of so-called “commercial humus” and with what little eloquence we could sum­
mon, spoke thus:

“Sir, the gods of all greens and fairways are smiling upon you. 
There you have a pile of the very finest type of rich black prairie 
soil. That soil built the Middle West, it is renowned throughout the 
world for its fertility and general agricultural productivity. It has 
no peer, whether used for buffalo pasture, corn fields or golf greens. 
A pile such as that on every golf course in America would undoubt­
edly result in an average prolongation of life of G. C. Cs. of at least 
five years—and oh! how sweet and untroubled those added years 
would be! But please, sir, don’t degrade it by calling it ‘commercial 
humus.’ ”