How do I open the hood?

I have a John Deere LX277 riding mower. I have only had it for about a year although it is much older than that. A neighbor used to run and service it before we moved here and I acquiring mowing chores. I have read most of the owner manual but it says "open the hood" but nowhere shows or says how to open the hood. I have pushed on the plate under the steering wheel but could not release the hood. I want to at least check the oil before I run the mower again. Help?

Bernie in IL

Hand under steering wheel in between green hood and black dash and lift. After releasing screw on left and right side about half way down.