P U B L I S H ED IN F E B R U A R Y, M A R C H. A P R I L, A U G U ST A ND S E P T E M B ER BY O. M. S C O TT & S O NS C O. M A R Y S V I L L E, O H IO Fifteenth Year Number 68 CONSERVE YOUR LAWN TOOLS in many CO N S E R V A T I ON of everything used by civilians is a part of the war strategy. Not only are we urged to conserve, but instances there will be no replacements until the number one task now facing the coun- try is brought to a successful conclu- sion. Such a national policy is not with- out its application to the peaceful busi- ness of maintaining a lawn. Simple as that front line of home defense may seem, it calls into play many tools, many appliances and many gadgets which scarcely qualify for a priority rating. Thus replacements cannot be expected until metals as well as manufacturing facilities and manpower are no longer required to provide instruments of war. own ought to be treated with utmost respect. It is high time an inventory was taken of all the various equipment used in the care of your lawn, garden, trees and shrubbery. Let's consider a few tools in the order of importance: The Mower Leading manufacturers have author- ized us to say that only a very limited number of new units can be made this year. They suggest that the home owner take the best possible care of his present equipment. Mowers are often sadly neglected. Many no doubt will last twice as long if kept in good storage, cleaned and oiled regularly, adjusted and sharpened by those who make a practice of this business. When condi- tioning mowers it would be the ideal time to become better informed on mak- ing the proper adjustments for high cutting. In fact the proper cutting of the lawn may result in less frequent cut- ting and that means added life to the mower. Correct mowing is an extremely Time To Take Stock Just a year ago we suggested by way of cartoon that it was time to return the neighbor's snow shovel and get back your own lawn roller. That was good seasonal advice but now it is good war time advice, because the tools you now C O P Y R I G HT BY O. M. S C O TT & S O NS C O. factor important in maintenance. A sharp, well adjusted mower is better for grass since there is no pinching or tear- ing of blades that causes them to turn brown. For a review of this subject read No. 54 L A WN C A R E. Sprinklers Most people have a novel collection of sprinklers. Mr. Average Home Owner began to water his lawn back in the spray nozzle period, then bought a brass circular type, next a crescent or half-moon variety for self protection, then the type where multiple units are screwed into the hose at different inter- vals, and finally the oscillating type. With little opportunity to replace pres- ent equipment it is advisable now to check up on your sprinklers and have them in good working order when first dry spells attack lush, fast growing grass and give it a withering blow. Turf is harmed by lack of adequate moisture long before the seriousness of the situation is detected. As in the case of mowing, proper sprinkling may mean less sprinkling. Smooth working sprinklers give better and more uni- form distribution of water and that means smoother, more velvety lawns. For a resume of this subject read No. 60 L A WN C A R E. Hose The owner of an underground sprin- kling system is now expressing great satisfaction. Even last fall rubber hose began to creep up in price and stocks got lower. Some hose may still be had but supplies are at the lowest level in 25 years. Perhaps nothing used in the care of lawns or in the maintenance of flower gardens, shrubbery gets such improper care as the hose. It is piled up in a corner, knotted, hung on some spike which may cut through the outer fabric, or left out behind the garage. Keeping hose on a reel is better for both the hose and the lawn. The habit of leaving hose on the grass either smothers it or causes bleaching. The trees and present condition of the home supply of hose may tell how serious was the blow the Japs dealt when they invaded the Malay States. In another year syn- thetic rubber is promised and some of it will doubtless go into garden hose. In the meanwhile, conserve by proper care what you have. Small Hand Tools Manufacturers of such equipment are somewhat more optimistic about their ability to continue serving the trade than the mower makers. Hoes and cultivators, of course, come within this range of tools and the manufac- turers have been given a more favor- able rating in the metal market. Since food has a definite place in winning the war, such tools as may be needed in the production operations can still be made and sold. Nevertheless supplies will be definitely shorter than in nor- mal years and one can well afford to get the best service out of existing equipment. All tools such as hoes and rakes should be cleaned up, and new handles put on where needed. Dull hoes should be sharpened. Rollers In recent years more rollers have made their appearance in every Ameri- can neighborhood. No doubt many lawns have been excessively flattened out because the home owner had at last invested in something which pre- viously was a rarity. Here will be an extremely scarce item so the man with a roller should ke^p a keen eye on this prized possession. a Sirs: A peddler cleaned up here selling a grass that grows to a height of only two inches. The Better Business Bureau caught up with him. This particular cheat advised his custom- ers to throw away their lawn mowers. Doesn't this sound like the gentleman to whom you refer now and then? A. F. ANDERSON Cranston, Rhode Island. The same fellow, a relative, or some other believer in Barnum's theory.