This N E W S L E T T E R is published
monthly by t h e Greenkeepers Club of
New E n g l a n d , and sent f r e e to its members and t h e i r Greens' C h a i r m e n . Subscription price t e n cents a copy, or a
dollar a y e a r .
G U Y C. W E S T

Editor

312 M t . P l e a s a n t St., F a l l R i v e r , M a s s .

MARSTON BURNETT

Business M g r .

330 W a l t h a m St., W e s t N e w t o n ,

June, 1931
RHODE

Mass.

Vol. 3, No. 6
ISLAND
FIELD

comed t h e g a t h e r i n g to t h e College. T h e
principal s p e a k e r w a s Mr. Daniel A.
Clarke, p r o p r i e t o r of one of t h e S t a t e ' s
l a r g e s t n u r s e r i e s . Mr. C l a r k e spoke on
" T r e e s and S h r u b s f o r t h e Golf Course".
This a d d r e s s is a p p e n d e d .
Following this conference, t h e r e w a s
a d e m o n s t r a t i o n of m o w i n g e q u i p m e n t
on t h e College lawns, and most of t h e
well-known m a k e s w e r e
represented.
Several also played golf in t h e l a t e
afternoon at the Point Judith Country
Club, and t h u s wound u p a v e r y i n t e r esting day.

GREENKEEPERS

PLANTING

OF

GOLF

GROUNDS

DAY
1.

T h e second a n n u a l
Greenkeepers'
Field D a y w a s held a t t h e R. I. E x p e r i m e n t Station, Kingston, R. I. on
May 25th. G r e e n k e e p e r s w e r e p r e s e n t
f r o m Connecticut and M a s s a c h u s e t t s ,
as well as t w e n t y - e i g h t out of a possible
f o r t y - t w o f r o m Rhode Island.
A f t e r registration, the morning was
occupied w i t h a visit to t h e experi m e n t a l plots u n d e r t h e direction of Dr.
Odland and Mr. N o r t h . T h e plots
showed i m p r o v e m e n t f r o m l a s t y e a r ,
and some new e x p e r i m e n t s a r e u n d e r
w a y . On t h e old l a w n plots t h e experim e n t s b e i n g c a r r i e d out a r e t h e old
t e s t of acid vs. a l k a l i n e ; and also effects
of compost top d r e s s i n g on d i f f e r e n t
g r a s s e s ; m a n u r e , lime, and
alkaline
f e r t i l i z e r s on K e n t u c k y Blue g r a s s ;
effect of d i f f e r e n t soil reactions on
newly seeded R. I. B e n t plots;
and
r e s u l t s of a r s e n a t e of lead t r e a t m e n t s .
Weed e r a d i c a t i o n t e s t s a r e also beingconducted.
On t h e golf g r e e n plots t h e r e is a
comparison of d i f f e r e n t s t r a i n s
and
v a r i e t i e s of b e n t g r a s s e s , fescues, and
blue g i a s s f o r golf g r e e n s ; stolons vs.
seed; and also a r e p r o d u c t i o n t e s t , to
d e t e r m i n e w h e t h e r bent g r a s s e s a r e
self pollinated or not.
E x p e r i m e n t s a r e being conducted on
a n o t h e r series of plots, to c o m p a r e t h e
seed p r o d u c i n g ability of different bent
g r a s s e s u n d e r local conditions, and to
t e s t t h e i n h e r i t a n c e of c h a r a c t e r s of
d i f f e r e n t bents. A n o t h e r series of plots
of R. I. Bent g r o w n f o r seed h a v e differe n t f e r t i l i z e r m i x t u r e s to d e t e r m i n e
w h a t is t h e element which influences
seed production.
Following lunch in t h e College Dining
Hall, a G r a s s and T u r f C o n f e r e n c e w a s
held with Director Gilbert
presiding.
P r e s i d e n t Raymond G. Bressler wel-

Areas

to be

planted.

( a ) B o u n d a r i e s of grounds.
(b) C a r e f u l l y placed g r o u p s t h r o u g h out g r o u n d s .
2.

Need

for boundary

planting.

( a ) Gives u n i t y to t h e grounds, enclosing t h e m much as a f r a m e
does a good picture.
(b) Affords protection f r o m t h e elements, p a r t i c u l a r l y f r o m wind.
(c) S h u t s out u n s i g h t l y s u r r o u n d ings.
(d) Gii'es a
certain
degree
of
privacy and seclusion.
(e) Adds t h e intrinsic which t r e e s
and s h r u b s afford.
3.

Grouping
of
throughout

trees
and
grounds.

shrubs

( a ) B r e a k u p t h e l a r g e r a r e a and
f o r m smaller units.
(b) T a k e a w a y f r o m t h e baseness
of t h e g r o u n d s .
fc'* Afford shede.
(d) A r e
dependent
for
location
upon the t o p o g r a p h y of
the
grounds.
4.

Principles
governing
arrangement
of t r e e s a n d s h r u b s .

This logically leads to an e x a m i n a t i o n
of t h e principles governing 1 good p l a n t ing. These m a y be assembled u n d e r t h e
somewhat
unpretentious
heads
of
simplicity, b r e a d t h and h a r m o n y . As to
simplicity, t h e m e a n i n g is clear f r o m
t h e v e r y t e r m itself. Simplicity o u g h t
to c h a r a c t e r i z e our a t t e m p t s . R i g h t
h e r e let us f r e e o u r minds f r o m t h e
idea t h a t t h e r e is a n y i n h e r e n t relationship between simplicty and b a r e n e s s .
Distinctly t h e r e is not. W h e n we h a v e
d e t e r m i n e d our needs, we m u s t m e e t
t h e m in as s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d a m a n n e r as
p o i s i t l e . If a simple h e d g e will b e s t
s e r v e our purpose, let us use it. L e t us
not be beguiled into s u b s t i t u t i n g a

m e a n i n g l e s s m a s s of s h r u b s . K e e p in
view t h e fitness of t h e a t t e m p t . Avoid
over-elaborateness.
Likewise
observe
simplicity in t h e n u m b e r of p l a n t s used.
Do not crowd. B e w a r e of a n overuse,
p a r t i c u l a r l y of s h r u b s and t r e e s . T h e n
choose c o m p a r a t i v e l y
few
varieties.
F r o m t h e f a i l u r e to observe t h i s p r e c a u t i o n m a y be a t t r i b u t e d so m a n y of
t h e defects of planting'. W h e n so m a n y
b e a u t i f u l s h r u b s a r e offered b y t h e
n u r s e r y m e n , and so m a n y strikingnovelties, t h e p l a n t e r m a y easily f o r g e t his m a i n purpose, t h i n k too m u c h of
t h e claims of t h e individual p l a n t s , and
t h u s produce a confused medley instead
of an h a r m o n i o u s whole.
As f o r b r e a d t h , w h a t is it? I t m a y
be said to be t h e m a k i n g of one f e a t u r e
p r i n c i p a l and t h e k e e p i n g of subordina t e f e a t u r e s f r o m obscuring or bel i t t l i n g it. T h e m e a n i n g m a y be c l e a r e r
w h e n viewed in r e l a t i o n to some t a n g i ble object, as f o r instance, t h e l a w n .
T h i s w h e n it occurs, should be principal. I t should possess o p e n n e s s and ext e n t and should h a v e a f r i n g e of s h r u b s
or t r e e s and s h r u b s about its borders.
N e v e r should it be c l u t t e r e d
and
crowded w i t h individual s h r u b s or w i t h
clumps of shrubs. A n a r e a t h u s t r e a t e d
ceases to be a l a w n and t h e whole becomes a m e r e collection of p l a n t s w i t h
slight g r a s s s t r i p s b e t w e e n t h e individuals. This e r r o r , or r a t h e r blunder,
is most common and deserves t h e most
studied
avoidance.
Futhermore,
if
b r e a d t h is to be secured, t h i s f r i n g e of
s h r u b s skirting' t h e l a w n m u s t be composed essentially of masses, n o t of
single p l a n t s nor of g r o u p s of two or
three.

should be a nice t r a n s i t i o n f r o m t h e
g r a s s to t h e t a l l e s t s h r u b s . T h e r e m a y
be some exceptions, b u t accept it as a
r u l e t h a t we should ever strive f o r
concord and not f o r c o n t r a s t . Likewise
h a r m o n y should p r e v a i l in t h e t e x t u r e
of t h e foliage. A bold t r o p i c a l f o l i a g e
should not come in c o n t r a s t w i t h delicate
f o l i a g e of fine t r a c e r y . In t r u t h t h e r e is
little place f o r t h i s bad, bold foliage,
nor will it trouble us if w e a r e c o n t e n t
to observe o u r first principle of h a r m o n y
and not be seduced by t h e desire f o r
m e r e display. T h e r e should be a c a r e f u l t r a n s i t i o n between s h r u b s w i t h
diverse t e x t u r e of foliage, j u s t as
t h e r e should be a g r a d a t i o n in height.
Then, p a r t i c u l a r l y in t h e case of vines,
t h e r e should be h a r m o n y b e t w e e n t h e
f o l i a g e and t h e s t r u c t u r e to which it is
related. F o r one t h i n g t h e f o l i a g e
should not be too l a r g e and
coarse.
T h e n it should be in accord w i t h t h e
m a t e r i a l of which t h e s t r u c t u r e is composed. Most i m p o r t a n t is color-harmony,
which is likewise commonly
violated.
T h e f o l i a g e of our t r e e s and
shrubs
should harmonize in color as well as in
t e x t u r e . One monotonous t i n t of g r e e n
is to be avoided, b u t still m o r e an excessive use of b r i g h t hued plants. To be
s a f e let us shun t h e so-called
golden
foliaged plants, those possessing' sickly
as well as sickening yellow foliage.
Avoid
shrubs
with
variegated
or
blotched leaves. A n d use only s p a r i n g l y ,
and t h e n w i t h discretion, t r e e s or
s h r u b s w i t h reddish coloring."

H a r m o n y should p r e v a i l t h r o u g h o u t .
T h e p l a n t s used on our g r o u n d s should
be in p e r f e c t accord w i t h our n a t i v e
v e g e t a t i o n . In f a c t , it is best to let our
own t r e e s and s h r u b s f o r m t h e f r a m e w o r k of our p l a n t a t i o n , t h e b a c k g r o u n d ,
as it were, f o r those w o r t h y exotic p l a n t s
which please us w i t h the c h a r m of t h e i r
f o r m , of t h e i r flowers, or of t h e i r f r u i t .
Despise not t h e b e a u t y of our n a t i v e
p l a n t s , b u t r a t h e r e n c o u r a g e t h e m to
c o n t r i b u t e to our p l e a s u r e and to our
a p p r e c i a t i o n of t h e i r r e a l w o r t h . T h e n
t h e r e should be h a r m o n y b e t w e e n t h e
t r e e s and s h r u b s and t h e i r s u r r o u n d i n g s
in respect to size. T h e y should not be
too small or too l a r g e . This size-concord
should exist b e t w e e n t h e p l a n t s t h e m selves. A v e r y tall s h r u b and a low
s h r u b should not be placed side by side.
I n t h e mass, as a rule, t h e r e should be
a g r a d u a l g r a d a t i o n in height.
There

Some of t h e finest t e s t plots we h a v e
seen a n y w h e r e !
Some g r a s s e s recommended f o r Rhode
I s l a n d : — a good m i x t u r e
for
greens,
4 0 % Chewings fescue, 40% R. I. B e n t ,
a n d 20% Red T o p ; f o r f a i r w a y s , C a n a d a
Blue, Chewings
fescue,
Fine-leaved
fescue, and Red T o p ; f o r t h e rough,
Sheep's fescue.
Skin t h e loam f r o m t h e r o u g h and
use it f o r compost, t h e n seed Sheep's
fescue.
Rhode Island h a s f o u r g r e e n k e e p e r s
w i t h over t h i r t y y e a r s of service a t
g r e e n k e e p i n g ; J o h n Yule a t N e w p o r t
and W a n u m e t o n e m y , 33 y e a r s ;
Hugh
Colgan, P o i n t J u d i t h . 32 y e a r s ; L a w rence H a y , A g a w a m H u n t , 32 y e a r s ;
and J a m e s DiLuccio, A g a w a m , *Metacomet, and Massasoit, 31 y e a r s .
If you missed t h i s Field D a y and
have an o p p o r t u n i t y to visit these plots

F I E L D DAY N O T E S

l a t e r , do not h e s i t a t e . W h a t you will
see, and w h a t you can l e a r n will r e p a y
you f o r your trouble.

NEW

JERSEY

FIELD

DAY

T h e a n n u a l J u n e Field D a y w a s held
at the New Jersey State Agricultural
E x p e r i m e n t Station, N e w Brunswick,
N . J . on J u n e 15th. This m e e t i n g w a s
sponsored by t h e N. J . S t a t e Golf
Association, t h e N. J .
Greenkeepers
Association, and t h e E x p e r i m e n t
Station.
Over a h u n d r e d and fifty assembled
a t t h e plots in t h e a f t e r n o o n , and examined w i t h i n t e r e s t t h e v a r i o u s exp e r i m e n t s being' c a r r i e d out. Plots of
v a r i o u s g r a s s e s w e r e s t a r t e d in 1923,
and some of these have since been discarded as u n s u i t a b l e f o r conditions a t
t h e Station. T h e s e plots a r e
divided,
half cut a t l a w n length, and half allowed
to go to seed. Grasses discarded
are
c r e s t e d dog's tail, sweet v e r n a l , wood
meadow. Rye g r a s s mowed a t l a w n
l e n g t h will persist, b u t cuts h a r d . P o a
t r i v i a l i s is of some value in s h a d y
places. Meadow fescue is not to be
recommended. T i m o t h y h a s no place f o r
fine t u r f .
Plots of v a r i o u s b e n t s h a v e half cut
a t l a w n h e i g h t and half a t p u t t i n g
g r e e n height. F o u r plots n e a r
these
show t h e f o u r m i x t u r e s recommended
by t h e S t a t i o n f o r v a r i o u s conditions in
N e w J e r s e y . ( I t is noticeable t h a t Kent u c k y Blue g r a s s will come in all plots
but bent).
T h e f e r t i l i z e r series plots a r e now
e n t e r i n g t h e i r fifth y e a r . These plots
w e r e originally V i r g i n i a bent, w i t h
same a m o u n t of N i t r o g e n b e i n g given
all plots d u r i n g season. The organics,
especially a l f a l f a meal, b r i n g in t h e
e a r t h w o r m s . T h e acid plots a r e d a r k
g r e e n , b u t in a dry spell a r e first to
suffer, t h e less acid plots a r e
much
more h e a l t h y t h r o u g h o u t t h e
season.
Clover is not p r e s e n t in plots w h e r e
quickly available N. is p r e s e n t . A p H of
5.5 is crital point of acidity here. Only
c e r t a i n t y p e s of weeds a r e controlled
by acidity. Vigor in t u r f is most import a n t f a c t o r in weed control;
keeping
w e e d seed out is second f a c t o r of importance.
A t o p d r e s s i n g e x p e r i m e n t is also being carried on p a r t of t h e s e plots, w i t h
half soil and half s a n d ; a t h i r d soil and
t w o - t h i r d s s a n d ; t w o - t h i r d s soil and a
t h i r d s a n d ; and t w o - t h i r d s soil, a t h i r d

sand, and lead a r s e n a t e . The lead a r s e n a t e plots h a v e no e a r t h w o r m s .
Disease w a s v e r y evident on most of
t h e highly f e r t i l i z e d plots, and D r . Howa r d S p r a g u e of t h e S t a t i o n explained
t h a t it w a s not c e r t a i n w h e t h e r t h i s w a s
small b r o w n - p a t c h or a leaf
spot.
These a t t a c k s a r e preceded by cool w e t
w e a t h e r in every case.
Several a r e a s of d i f f e r e n t species of
b e n t a t p u t t i n g g r e e n h e i g h t included
one v e r y fine s t r a i n known as V a l e n t i n e
No. 2. This is one of t h e finest looking
plots we have ever seen, b u t probably
would be h a r d to keep in condition on
a green.
A f e r t i l i z e r element t e s t w i t h
and
w i t h o u t lime is of i n t e r e s t ,
showing
conclusively t h a t N.
is
absolutely
necessary, b u t t h e need of t h e
other
elements a r e not shown so much as yet.
Other e x p e r i m e n t s being c a r r i e d on
a r e a comparison of soil types, comparison of t y p e s of o r g a n i c m a t t e r , soil
t e x t u r e e x p e r i m e n t , h e i g h t of cut experiment, seed m i x t u r e s f o r lawns, w i t h
v a r i o u s f e r t i l i z e r s , n u r s e r y of b e n t
g r a s s s t r a i n s , etc.
T h s evening m e e t i n g w a s held a t t h e
Hotel
Woodrow
Wilson.
Following
dinner, t h e m e e t i n g w a s in c h a r g e of
Mr. R. F . A r n o t t , C h a i r m a n of t h e
N e w J e r s e y S t a t e Golf Association, as
c h a i r m a n . Mr. A r n o t t welcomed those
p r e s e n t , and pointed out t h a t
everyt h i n g being done is f o r t h e
greenkeepers w i t h t h e cooperation of
the
Green Section. H e
introduced
Dr.
Monteith of t h e Green Section, t o s p e a k
on "Velvet B e n t " .
Dr. Monteith pointed out t h a t we
h a v e not seen t h e ideal g r a s s f o r p u t t i n g g r e e n s as y e t ; several g r a s s e s a r e —
suitable f o r golf course work, p a r t i c u larly p u t t i n g g r e e n s , each h a s its adv a n t a g e s and
disadvantages.
Many
around the country have been interested in Velvet B e n t ; t h e r e h a s been
a lot of e x p e r i m e n t i n g w i t h it. W e a r e
not r e c o m m e n d i n g a n y one v a r i e t y of
t h i r t y a t A r l i n g t o n f o r whole 18
greens, a r e m e r e l y advising to t r y a
p a r t of a green. I t is one of t h e most
b e a u t i f u l g r a s s e s . I t will g r o w w h e r e
other b e n t s will grow, is economical to
m a i n t a i n , b u t is m o r e finicky t h a n some
other g r a s s e s .
T h e r e seems to be a r e a c t i o n t o w a r d
v a r i e t y on t u r f on greens j u s t t h e s a m e
as v a r i e t y of contour, a w a y f r o m t h e
i d e a of same speed and same t e x t u r e
f o r all greens. Velvet b e n t is slow
coming, slow to recover f r o m i n j u r y .
T h e r e a r e m a n y colors, m a n y v a r i e t i e s .

T O T A L 2 - Y E A R R E P A I R BILL F O R Q U I N T
T W O GREENS MOWERS—50 CENTS!

AND

"The
PENNSYLVANIA
Q u i n t we p u r c h a s e d
two
y e a r s a g o , " w r i t e s Mr. Wilb u r A r n e t t , g r e e n k e e p e r of
t h e B r i d g e m a n Golf Club,
B r i d g e m a n , Michigan, " h a s
given w o n d e r f u l s a t i s f a c t i o n
on
fairways
and
rough.
"The
fairways
improved
greatly
and
we
kept
the
r o u g h at t h e r i g h t h e i g h t all
t h e t i m e a t a s a v i n g of m o r e
than half. OUR

TOTAL

PAIR
BILL
FOR
T W O Y E A R S I S 50c!
" W e also h a v e t w o P E N N S Y L V A N I A
have given

two

years'

satisfactory

service

S u p e r Roller g r e e n s m o w e r s

with

no

RE-

THE
which

expense.

A f t e r n i n e y e a r s as g r e e n k e e p e r , I say, ' P E N N S Y L V A N I A c a n ' t be b e a t e n ' ! "
Write

For

Complete

New

Golf

Catalog

J O H N J. N Y H A N
120 Cypress Street, Brookline,
RACKLIFFE BROTHERS,
N e w Britain, Conn.
Pennsylvania

Lawn

BRECK'S
85 State St.—20 Lewis
Boston
Ask

For

Mower

Works,

Primos,

Mass.
INC.

Delaware

County,

Pa.

A COMPLETE LINE

OF

Wharf

GOLF COURSE EQUIPMENT

Demonstration

I n 1923, t h e J a c o b s e n M a n u f a c t u r i n g
C o m p a n y i n t r o d u c e d t h e first P o w e r
P u t t i n g Green Mower. H a v i n g i n h e r i t e d
c e r t a i n f u n d a m e n t a l principles a l r e a d y
p e r f e c t e d in t h e well-known J a c o b s e n
4 - A C R E P o w e r Mower, t h e design of t h e
p u t t i n g g r e e n m o w e r w a s well f o u n d e d
and the improvements made f r o m time
to t i m e w e r e m a i n l y in t h e n a t u r e of
mechanical refinements and adaptations
to t h e peculiarities a n d c h a n g i n g n a t u r e
of p u t t i n g g r e e n t u r f s .
G r e e n s k e e p e r s , r e c o g n i z i n g t h e economic n e e d of a p o w e r g r e e n m o w e r ,
have w o r k e d closely a n d willingly with
us f r o m t h e b e g i n n i n g and t h e J a c o b s e n
P o w e r P u t t i n g Green Mower h a s e a r n e d
a definite place and wide r e c o g n i t i o n as
a practical, economical a n d efficient cutt i n g u n i t on p u t t i n g g r e e n s . B y its use,
savings h a v e b e e n r e c o r d e d of f r o m
$600 to $2000 in a single season.
T h e J a c o b s e n P o w e r P u t t i n g Green
M o w e r is built in two w i d t h s — o n e with
a 19-inch reel, t h e o t h e r with a 24-inch
reel.

AND

Distributors

SUPPLIES

for:—

Naco Golf Course F e r t i l i z e r
R o y e r Compost Machines
K o p p e r s S u l p h a t e of A m m o n i a
Albion D i s t r i b u t o r
Hardie Power Sprayers
Thompson Sprinklers
Seeds, F e r t i l i z e r s , E t c .

Arthur B. Porter, Inc.
55

DEARBORN
SALEM,
Tel.
Write

W h e n buying from our advertisers, mention

MASS.

Salem
for our

illustrated

STREET

2317
1931

catalogue.

NEWSLETTER!

More f a c t o r s t h a n looks m u s t be considered. G r a s s m u s t be studied
for
whole y e a r to t r y it out well.
T h e second s p e a k e r w a s D r . T. E.
Odland of t h e Rhode I s l a n d E x p e r i m e n t
Station. Dr. Odland described t h e i n t e r est in seed production in Rhode Island,
e x t e n d i n g down f r o m Colonial
times.
Most of t h e seed produced now is R. I.
Bent, some Velvet B e n t . E x p e r i m e n t s
in seed production a r e being c a r r i e d on
a t t h e R. I. Station. On m a n y courses
t h e r e is an o p p o r t u n i t y to p r o p a g a t e
own seed in small a m o u n t s . Dr.Odland
also described t h e o t h e r
experiments
being c a r r i e d on a t t h e R. I. Station,
b u t as t h e y a r e covered elsewhere in
t h i s N E W S L E T T E R , w e will omit t h i s
portion of his talk.
Dr. J . G. L i p m a n , D i r e c t o r of t h e
N. J . S t a t i o n w a s t h e n e x t
speaker,
and he m a d e an e a r n e s t plea to h a v e
the
more r e c r e a t i o n a l facilities, f o r
m o r e leisure which is bound to come
w h e n t h e s h o r t e r h o u r s and t h e f e w e r day week come f o r labor.
Dr. H o w a r d S p r a g u e talked on t h e
fine r e l a t i o n s h i p b e t w e e n
the
greenkeepers and t h e Station. H e spoke of
t h e inquiries coming in almost cons t a n t l y to t h e Station, f r o m home
owners, p a r k s , etc., as well as golf
courses. Velvet B e n t p r o p a g a t i o n
by
stolons is not a l w a y s
satisfactory;
velvets as a g r o u p a r e not as e a s y to
handle. It would be best to w a i t a f e w
y e a r s b e f o r e doing too much w i t h t h e m .
Mr. H e n r y Islieb, P r e s i d e n t of t h e
N. J . G r e e n k e e p e r s Association welcomed his fellow g r e e n k e e p e r s ,
ment i o n i n g t h e f a c t t h a t some w e r e p r e s e n t
f r o m Long Island, P h i l a d e l p h i a , Westchester, and M a s s a c h u s e t t s . Mr. Islieb
also acted as c h a i r m a n f o r t h e s h o r t
t i m e in which t h e r e w a s some discussion. We f e l t s o r r y t h a t more t i m e could
not h a v e been devoted to t h i s p h a s e of
the program.
A l t h o u g h we f e e l t h a t t h e E x p e r i m e n t S t a t i o n should c e r t a i n l y be comp l i m e n t e d on its fine plots, t h a t
we
should t h a n k Dr. S p r a g u e , M r . Islieb,
and all t h e o t h e r s who helped to m a k e
our visit so e n j o y a b l e ; t h e b i g g e s t t h i n g
w e noticed w a s t h e v e r y evident and
v e r y splendid cooperation which exists
b e t w e e n t h e agencies which j o i n t l y
sponsored t h i s Field Day, t h e N. J . Golf
Association, t h e N. J .
Greenkeepers
Association, and t h e E x p e r i m e n t
Station. All of t h e s e o r g a n i z a t i o n s should
c e r t a i n l y be complimented on t h i s v e r y
fine cooperation.
G. C. W e s t .

JUNE

MEETING

The J u n e m e e t i n g w"as held a t t h e
F a l l River C o u n t r y Club, F a l l R i v e r ,
Mass. on Monday, J u n e 1st. A n e i g h t e e n
hole m e d a l h a n d i c a p t o u r n a m e n t w a s
played in t h e m o r n i n g . T h e p r i z e winners were:
1st n e t — J o h n Counsell—
94-15-79
2nd n e t — J . O'Malley—
110-30-80
3rd n e t — A t h u r A n d e r s o n —
101-20-81
4th n e t — E . H a n s e n —
105-24-81
5th n e t — E . D. P i e r c e —
95-12-83
1st g r o s s — R . W. P e c k h a m —
90
B e s t net nine—M. O ' G r a d y —
48-8-40
B e s t nine g r o s s — H . F a r r a n t —
47
Most 4 ' s — G u y C. W e s t
Most 3 ' s — C a r l T r e a t
H i g h G r o s s — E . B. F u l l e r —
136
Special Guest P r i z e — M . L i n e b e r r y — 8 9
T h e first t h r e e n e t prizes w e r e p r e sented by P r e s i d e n t T h o m a s A l m y a n d
Green C h a i r m a n W. P r e s c o t t
Rogers
of t h e F a l l R i v e r C o u n t r y Club, and the
Greenkeepers
Club
appreciates
the
kindness of t h e s e m e n in helping boost
golf a m o n g our members.
Clifton E. Sowerby

T h e a r t i c l e in t h e M a y issue
on
P o w e r g r e e n s m o w i n g by J o h n S. P a r sons h a s s t a r t e d some a r g u m e n t
at
least, and we h a v e had a f e w l e t t e r s
concerning t h i s subject. A l e t t e r f r o m
Mr. W. L. A u s t i n of t h e Ideal P o w e r
L a w n Mower Co. calls a t t e n t i o n
to
t h e i r new power mower. Mr. K. E. Goit
of t h e Toro M a n u f a c t u r i n g Co. w r i t e s
as follows:
" I n t h e l a s t issue of t h e
NEWSL E T T E R I w a s v e r y much i n t e r e s t e d
in t h e article by J o h n S. P a r s o n s of
t h e P o r t l a n d C o u n t r y Club, a b o u t p o w e r
and h a n d g r e e n s m o w i n g . This is by f a r
t h e best a n a l y t i c a l
article t h a t
has
ever a p p e a r e d in a n y publication on
t h i s p a r t i c u l a r s u b j e c t . Mr.
Parsons
e x p r e s s e s on p a p e r w h a t a good m a n y
of t h e b e t t e r known men h a v e
expressed privately, and he h a s c e r t a i n l y
done a v e r y good job of it."
A l e t t e r f r o m Mr. C h a r l e s B. W o r t h ington, P r e s i d e n t of t h e W o r t h i n g t o n
Mower Co. t a k e s t h e opposite view, a n d
is of g e n e r a l i n t e r e s t :
J u n e 8th, 1931
D e a r Mr. E d i t o r :
The article entitled " P o w e r p u t t i n g
green mowing versus hand
mowing"
which Mr. P a r s o n s c o n t r i b u t e d to t h e

BARBAK-211 (TURF DISINFECTANT)
Insures

perfect

greens

Eliminating

the

dreaded

Brown

Patch

B A R B A E 211 gives a l o n g e r period of Brown
P a t c h p r e v e n t i o n t h a n o r d i n a r y d i s i n f e c t a n t s and
t h e r e f o r e cuts t h e cost of g r e e n s u p k e e p .
One e n t h u s i a s t i c g r e e n s k e e p e r tells us t h a t
B A R B A K 211 gave absolute p r e v e n t i o n f r o m Brown
P a t c h f o r 42 d a y s ; a d j o i n i n g t u r f a r o u n d t h e t r e a t e d
a r e a had 5 a t t a c k s of B r o w n P a t c h d u r i n g this
period.
T h e t i m e lost in fighting s t u b b o r n B r o w n P a t c h
could be p u t to g r e a t e r use in p e r f e c t i n g other
p a r t s of t h e golf course.
Make a t e s t of B A R B A K — l e t it tell its own s t o r y .
Prices:

1 lb. Tin $1.85, 51b. Tin 8.25, 251b. Tin 33.75,
100 lb. Tin 130.00, 300 lbs. $375.00

THOMPSON FIFTY GALLON BARREL SPRINKLER

.^•Sc

No. 50 T h o m p s o n B a r r e l S p r i n k l e r ( w i t h o u t a g i t a t o r )

$30.00

No. 51 T h o m p s o n B a r r e l S p r i n k l e r (with a g i t a t o r )

$35.00

Get

Complete

Seeds

with

Catalog

on

request.
Consult

a

Hovey & Company

Reputation

150
Hovey

&

MILK

1834

ing

Tel. Hancock

Mass.
1454-1455

us

regard-

your

turf

difficulties,

we

will inspect

and

report

Co.

Boston,
Est.

STREET

freely

course
charge.

O u r a d v e r t i s e r s a i m to p l e a s e Y O U

on

your

without

May n u m b e r of y o u r N e w s l e t t e r
is
i n t e r e s t i n g in m a n y p a r t i c u l a r s . I t shows
among other things t h a t
progressive
g r e e n k e e p e r s a r e b e g i n n i n g to discuss
questions of t h i s c h a r a c t e r t h a t u n t i l a
f e w y e a r s ago w e r e n e v e r t h o u g h t of.
U n t i l t h e a d v e n t of t h e
Worthington
g a n g mower, t h e golf course m a c h i n e r y
and practice of t h e d a y h a d r e m a i n e d
for generations substantially unchanged
f r o m those w i t h which Tom M o r r i s w a s
familiar.
It is not easy to account f o r this.
P e r h a p s t h e p l a y e r s w e r e not e x a c t i n g
and t h e slowness of t h e m a c h i n e s cut
no figure in those y e a r s w h e n t i m e w a s
t h e c h e a p e s t t h i n g a g r e e n k e e p e r could
waste.
B u t these conditions in t h e l a s t f e w
y e a r s have c e r t a i n l y been
altogether
changed. The power m a c h i n e r y of t h e
m o d e r n g r e e n k e e p e r is as advanced as
a n y to be f o u n d in similar d e p a r t m e n t s
of mechanics.
As all of golfdom is a w a r e of t h e
w o n d e r s t h e s e power machines
have
w r o u g h t on t h e f a i r w a y s , a call has.
n a t u r a l l y become i n s i s t e n t f o r power
upon t h e g r e e n s to r e p e a t if possible,
on t h i s f a r more i m p o r t a n t and costly
service its f a i r w a y success.
In r e s p o n s e to t h i s call, as a prelimina r y reconnoiter so to speak, t h e h a n d
m o w e r of commerce c a r r y i n g upon its
back an engine f o r power purposes, w a s
called into action. I n v a r i o u s modifications it now occupies on p a r k s and priv a t e estates an i m p o r t a n t place.
B u t t h i s w a l k behind design h a s n o t
r t t a r a e d as Mr. P a r s o n s says, t h e
p o p u l a r i t y or success it promised. W e
a g r e e w i t h him in this and on m a n y
o t h e r t h i n g s , b u t w h e n he comes to discuss t h e Overgreen, a machine of a,
d i f f e r e n t type, whose novel design g r e w
out of a d e t e r m i n a t i o n on t h e p a r t of
i t s builders to have it escape t h e v e r y
f a u l t s and weaknesses he claims to h a v e
discovered, we feel quite sure t h a t he
h a s not t a k e n t i m e enough in his examination, to f u l l y u n d e r s t a n d its s a l i e n t
features.
In m a k i n g his calculations, designed
to prove t h a t power h a s not y e t gained
a n y r e a l a d v a n t a g e over h a n d mowing,
he includes t h e t i m e spent in going and
coming to t h e greens, and p r e p a r i n g
f o r operation. He i n t i m a t e s t h a t by
o m i t t i n g this, in some of our calculations w e h a v e t h r o w n
considerable
doubt on t h e i r correctness. These outside o p e r a t i o n s w e r e p u r p o s e l y excluded
because it seems to us t h e y a p p l y w i t h

equal effect to both h a n d and
power
machines, to be counted or omitted to
s u i t t h e i n v e s t i g a t o r . I n any event we
f a i l to see t h e f o r c e of Mr. P a r s o n s
contention t h a t it t a k e s l o n g e r to p r e p a r e one t h a n t h e other. B u t s u r e l y
this point can be settled in a c t u a l t e s t
by the e x p e r i m e n t e r . T h e
Overgreen
and its p e r f o r m a n c e is no longer a
s u b j e c t of a b s t r a c t or t h e o r e t i c a l calculation. I t s t a n d s a p e r f e c t e d achievem e n t . I t is d e m o n s t r a t i n g w h a t it can
do and w h a t t i m e or money it can save,
in daily practice on h u n d r e d s of courses
all over t h e Country. Mr. P a r s o n s m u s t
realize it would not r e m a i n on one of
these, if his s u m m i n g u p of its s h o r t comings w e r e correct.
If f o r t h e sake of t h e
economic
b e a r i n g which this s u b j e c t h a s u p o n
our clubs expenses a n d b u d g e t , he w e r e
to c a r r y his i n v e s t i g a t i o n along a little
f u r t h e r , he would discover f o r himself
t h a t t h e r e is no v a g u e n e s s or unc e r t a i n t y in t h e exploitation of t h i s
machine. I t is p r o v i n g now every day
t h a t t h e q u a l i t y of its c u t is u n e q u a l l e d ;
t h a t it mows f o u r g r e e n s of
6000
s q u a r e f e e t in t h e t i m e t h a t it t a k e s
to mow one b y h a n d ; t h a t as t h e greens
increase in a r e a this difference becomes still g r e a t e r ; t h a t as t h e m o w i n g
g a n g comprises t h r e e of as p e r f e c t h a n d
mowers as a n y in existence, it m u s t
n e c e s s a r i l y cut as p e r f e c t a s w a t h and
leave a s u r f a c e as unblemished.
He would also convince himself t h a t
t h e O v e r g r e e n power element w i t h its
e n t i r e l y novel compressible tires, produces no
rolling
effect
whatever.
W h e t h e r t h e w e i g h t on t h e wheels is
much or little, t h e p r e s s u r e on t h e t u r f
is r e g u l a t e d by h a n d to any degree t h a t ^ c ^
is deemed p e r f e c t l y safe. I t is t h i s dis- covery in f a c t t h a t seems alone to h a v e
m a d e possible t h e placing of power on
the greens.
B u t in t h e l a s t analysis t h i s is a,
v e r y serious question indeed, a p a r t f r o m
a n y mechanics. I t is not to be decided
by a w a v e of t h e h a n d nor is it r i g h t f u l l y effected by t h e e s t h e t i c idea t h a t
t h e r e is b e a u t y in t h e parallel t r a c k of
h a n d mowing. I t involves t h e
very
existence of m a n y clubs s t r u g g l i n g t o day to r e e s t a b l i s h themselves on less
e x t r a v a g a n t lines. E v e r y f r i e n d of t h e
g a m e welcomes a n y i m p r o v e m e n t t h a t
will m a k e it less expensive. I t m e a n s
m o r e clubs, more p l a y e r s and u l t i m a t e l y
more employment. I t b r i n g s t h e g a m e
into t h e r e a c h of all. Men like M r . P a r sons, r e s t u n d e r t h e responsibility of
seeing t h a t t h i s endeavor,
involving

The Worthington Lawn Tractor and Convertible
"Multigang" Gang Mower

This wonderfully efficient machine is of the well-known
patented Worthington Convertible type, capable in this new design
of being transformed at the will of the operator from its sevenunit formation and swath of 16 feet, into a Worthington five-unit
quintuplex or a Worthington three -unit Triple of respectively
twelve and seven feet width of swath, Any of these changes may
be accomplished by the unassisted operator in a minute's time.
The saving in expense of the cutting operations, by the adoption
of the "Multigang" which will cut an acre in four minutes, is one
of the features connected with the development of this incomparable machine.
The catalog which will be sent to you immediately upon
request, will describe these remarkable machines, which have by
recent patented discoveries, brought about a revolution in golf
maintenance. Their use is fast becoming universal.
Write

For

Full

NEW ENGLAND
For

The

Particulars

The

REPRESENTATIVE

Worthington

E. R.

To

Mower

Company

3AWTELLE

ONE STATE

STREET

BOSTON
Telephone Hubbard 2424

millions saved to t h e g o l f i n g world, is
n o t d i s r e g a r d e d , b u t receives its j u s t
recognition.
Chas. C. W o r t h i n g t o n

T h e n e x t m e e t i n g of the Greenkeepers Club of N e w E n g l a n d will be
held a t t h e Concord
Country
Club,
Concord Mass., on Monday, J u l y 13th,
a t 9:30 A. M.
18 hole golf t o u r n a m e n t ,
p u t t i n g contest, and e n t e r t a i n m e n t . A
new nine holes h a s j u s t been opened.
Make your p l a n s to come to this m e e t i n g .
We note w i t h pleasure t h e a p p o i n t m e n t of J o h n S h a n a h a n of t h e B r a e b u r n C o u n t r y Club, W e s t Newton, Mass.
to t h e Advisory Committee of t h e Green
Section. W e feel t h a t t h i s is a v e r y
judicious and h a p p y a p p o i n t m e n t .
T h e r e will be a m e e t i n g a t t h e
C h a r l e s R i v e r C o u n t r y Club
Experim e n t a l Plots on J u l y 27 a t 3 P . M.

COM5TGCK

PARK

NOTES

T h e Comstock P a r k Public
Golf
Course, f o r m e r l y t h e C r a n s t o n C o u n t r y
Club, is s i t u a t e d on top of Applehouse
Hill, C r a n s t o n , Rhode Island.
Nearly
14,000 admission tickets w e r e sold in
t h e season of 19-30.
L a t e in season of 1930 construction
w a s s t a r t e d on second nine holes. This
new nine Jholes is now coming along
f a i t and i w a n t to h a v e t h e m r e a d y by
A u g u s t 1st, if possible. We h a v e all
r - e e n s a r d tees seeded and g r a s s is
showing. I a m going to p u t on a shovel
and t e a m s t h i s week, ( M a y 18th) to fill
holes and g r a d e , and will h a v e t r a c t o r s
t o finish plowing and g e t r e a d y to seed
f a i r w a y s , I h a v e t h e 14th and
10th
r e a d y and w a n t to seed t h e r e s t of t h e
f a i r w a y s w i t h i n two weeks. I h a v e
n e a r l y all t h e sand in t r a p s .
Our g r e e n s will
be v e r y
sporty,
h a v i n g h i g h backs and being well
t r a p p e d . T h e seventh is f o u r f e e t t e n
inches h i g h e r a t back t h a n t h e f r o n t .
I m a d e it a point t o g r a d e t h e m so as
to be good f o r t h e putt a t t h e s a m e time,
b u t you m u s t not t a k e it f o r g r a n t e d
t h e y will be easy. The t w e l f t h is a b o u t
e i g h t f e e t high a t back f r o m t h e lowest
point, still t h e top is f a i r l y level. T h e
g r e e n s all can be seen f r o m t h e t e e except t h e eleventh, and t h i s one h a s a
t r e e f o r a guide, w i t h b r a n c h e s h i g h
enough to be of no b o t h e r f o r t h e ball.

T h e t e n t h is a s h o r t hole w i t h two
small t r a p s , one a t each side a t back,
and twenty-five y a r d s in f r o n t of it is a
t r a p which r u n s across t h e e n t i r e width.
No rolling to t h i s green, and you m u s t
pitch y o u r ball. T h e fifteenth h a s a high
back w i t h one small sized t r a p , and a
ball should stop good; b u t look out f o r
a roll if you p u t t too h a r d down g r a d e ,
f o r it h a s a roll two ways. T h e s i x t e e n t h
is a leg of m u t t o n , and two l a r g e t r a p s ,
one a t each side n e a r t h e approach, and
don't t r y rolling on as it is d a n g e r o u s .
T h e back is about six f e e t up.
T h e t h i r t e e n t h is quite a n easy
g r a d e , b u t w i t h a high back, w i t h one
t r a p . F o u r t e e n is well t r a p p e d on t h r e e
sides, and w a t c h your step t h e r e .
Seventeen is a n o t h e r w i t h v e r y l a r g e
t r a p s , b u t a good wide appoach. W e
h a v e a b u n k e r a t each side to e n t e r ,
w i t h a t r a p a t end of one a b o u t f i f t y
y a r d s in f r o n t . E i g h t e e n is a l a r g e
g r e e n w i t h f o u r small t r a p s a n d two
approaches.
We will have open d r a i n s across t h e
16th and 17th and 18th, and a n open
ditch u p along side of 15th. L e t us see
you play it and s a y it is e a s y !
Roland F . Robinson

"QUALITY"

LAWNS, GOLF and
S P O R T TURF

MATERIALS
American
and
Imported
Grass
Seeds, Fertilisers, Manures,
Chemicals, F u n g i c i d e s ,
Soil S p o n g e ,
Imported Peat and Mowers.
60

CONGRESS
BOSTON,

Telephone

STREET
MASS.

Liberty

6021

>«,

W E INVITE COMPARISONS
W e a r e so c o n f i d e n t t h a t our
s p e c i a l F e r t i l i z e r M i x t u r e s for
G r e e n s a n d F a i r w a y s w i l l imp r o v e y o u r turf, w e u r g e y o u to
m a k e a comparative test with
your present treatment and
c h e c k t h e r e s u l t s t h e b a l a n c e of
t h e s e a s o n . T h i s c o n f i d e n c e is
fcased o n t h e e x p e r i e n c e of
Greenskeepers n o w using these
mixtures. Write for information.

GOLF SEEDS
are

by

foremost

the

growers

Officially a n a l y z e d for p u r i t y a n d
g e r m i n a t i o n and sold on that basis.
D i s t r i b u t o r s of

VICTORY PUTTING GREEN
FERTILIZERS
W r i t e f o r p r i c e list or s e n d specifications
where large quantities
desired.
Prices
reasonable.

The

Thos. W. Emerson Co.

Rogers & Hubbard Co.

215 STATE
STREET
BOSTON,
MASS.
Wholesale Merchants Since

P o r t l a n d , Conn.
Established

produced

world's

1878

Telephone,

HUBbard

1865

0985

IDEAL POWER
GREENSMOWER
L I G H T E S T IN
EASIEST TO

WEIGHT.
OPERATE.

A N D L O W E S T IN PRICE.

We

carry

a

complete
fully

line

of

equipped

golf

equipment

service

and

maintain

a

station.

IDEAL POWER LAWN MOWER CO.
Boston Factory Branch
2 7 3 B O Y L S T O N ST., B R O O K L I N E ,
W h e n w r i t i n g our a d v e r t i s e r s , m e n t i o n

MASS.

NEWSLETTER

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B

1

T E E and A P R O N MOWERS
T o r o Park Specials
a r e now being- used by
m a n y Clubs f o r maint e n a n c e of T e e s and
approaches.
These
machines
are
capable of v e r y close
and smooth c u t t i n g .
May be supplied in
either 22-26 or 30 inch
widths.
Two t r a i l e r
mowers,
e i t h e r 17" or
ISV2"
may be a t t a c h e d , t h u s
loubling the
cutting
swath.
R i d i n g sulky m a y be
used.
T h e 3 0 " P a r k Special m a y also be supplied with t h e sickle b a r f o r
c u t t i n g long grasses. A r e n o v a t o r a t t a c n m e n t f o r discing h a r d a r e a s
m a y be also supplied.
P o w e r m o w i n g of Tees will help you to solve t h e labor problem.
D e m o n s t r a t i o n will be given you w i t h o u t obligation.

T o r o Silver F l a s h

MHI

A

j

h a n d m o w e r s a r e gainday. This is one of t h e
lightest r u n n i n g and
s m o o t h e s t m o w e r s ever
offered
for
general
May be had with a six

'
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* Mm* ^ ^ j j i H W O P M f i B e
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:

p r o a c h e s and lawns.
sjjj
E i g h t blade r e e l f o r ' f H
:
b e n t tees, and g r e e n s
mowing.
F o u r blade
*
reel for bunkers and mounds.
t h e TORO P a r k Special.

1

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B

.
-

at

E i t h e r of these m a y be had as t r a i l o r s f o r

T h e T O R O Line is comprised of t h e m o s t complete list of Turf
M a i n t e n a n c e E q u i p m e n t a n d Machinery, offered by a n y one M a n u f a c t u r e r .
I t will pay you to see w h a t T O R O h a s f o r t h e job now w o r r y i n g you.
Call, wire

or

write

N E W E N G L A N D T O R O C O M P A N Y — N E W T O N , MASS.
Phone

gj:.;;;;:::: :i

New

North

7900

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