24 MULCHING. 
are set, at whatever season of the year, to cover the 
entire surface of the ground, including the walks, with 
tan bark, new or old, to the depth of one inch, care 
being taken that it is left very thin—only a slight 
coating—immediately around the crown of the plant. 
We have pursued this plan, and have never known a 
' plant injured by it; on the contrary, they have been 
decidedly benefited. When using saw-dust, we have 
sometimes been a little troubled with mildew, but 
never with tan bark applied as above. Some of our 
most intelligent horticulturists say it is a specific 
manure for the strawberry, which others deny; we 
find it, at least, the best thing brought to our notice as 
amulch. It is excellent to retain moisture and keep 
the earth in fine condition under it; very few weeds 
will ordinarily trouble us, where the tan is one inch in 
thickness, and altogether it is excellent. Where tan 
cannot be obtained, saw-dust will do, if not applied 
too thick. Leaf-mould is very good, if the soil is not 
already too rich. Straw is good, but green rowen 
or fresh-cut grass, if the seeds are not ripe, is better 
still; any thing, in fact, not injurious, that is con- 
venient and adapted, can be used. 
