There are hundreds of makes of lawn-mowers on the market, but of these
very few will stand the test of a season's hard usage. These few will be
found to be the standard makes of good design, and costing a seemingly
high price. When you can get a lawn-mower with a pound of tea you may be
sure that it is time to be suspicious, regardless of the pretty paint
and ornamentation that makes it a symphony of colors. A good mower
means that your lawn will look well after being cut with it, and it also
means that the first seemingly high cost will be all that you will be
called upon to expend in years to come. Such a mower is practically
indestructible.
Once or twice during the season, give it an overhauling. Grass and grit
will creep in, and unless it is removed the efficiency of the machine
will be greatly reduced.
It sounds like automobile parlance to say "Use good oil," but this
really applies equally as strongly to a lawn-mower. Cheap oil is
expensive in the long run, as it thickens up and clogs the bearings, and
makes it impossible for the mower to do its best work.
[Illustration: It is surprising what a lot of grass and dirt finds its
way into the lawn-mower. Take it apart once a season to clean and oil]
This may seem like straining a point to get down to such trivial
details, but it is just these little things that go to make up the
getting and keeping of a lawn.