Lawnmower Tips in 1905

Ecofill

For the perfection of a lawn mowing with a good machine is absolutely necessary and should be done frequently. To cut the grass fairly low down without the danger of biting and pulling it up by the roots, its knives should be made to pass so closely to the shoe-plate that they will cut paper at any point and until the proper method of setting it higher or lower, according to the exigencies of the moment, be thoroughly understood, it will be impossible to guarantee that it will work properly.

Sticks and stones should be swept off the grass before the mower is set upon it; and when being put away at night the machine should be cleaned and oiled , so that it may not rust. During the winter season when the machine is not in use it should be taken apart, each piece well oiled and stored away separately, taking particular care not to lose the bolts and screws.

To work it well it is better to cut the grass at least once a week at the height of the season, but less often in the beginning and end, as the grass does not then grow so rapidly. There is often an argument as to whether the cut grass should be left on the lawn or taken away in a box. If the grass is left on the lawn it will provide some measure of manure, whilst when allowed to become long before being cut and then left it will disfigure the lawn.