WEEDS ON PATHS, ETC. 301 



of these weedicides annually are rarely troubled with 

 weeds, and the preparation has the property also of 

 cleaning the gravel, and imi^arting to it a fresh, clean 

 appearance. It would be invidious on our part to men- 

 tion the names of these preparations. Suffice it to say, 

 they are known by the general name of ' ' weed-killers, ' ' 

 or " weedicides," and the sources of their supply may be 

 obtained by consulting the advertisement pages of the 

 "Gardeners' Magazine" and "Amateur Gardening." 

 They may appear costly preparations to use, but, when 

 it is remembered that one application a year will eradicate 

 the weeds and help to keep the surface free from future 

 growths for that period, they are not really expensive in 

 proportion to their effectiveness and easiness of apj^lica- 

 tion. 



Home-made Weed-killers — Those who prefer to 

 try home-made preparations or simple remedies, may use 

 one of the following : 



(1) Salt Brine. — This is a comparatively inexpensive 

 remedy. Dissolve lib. of salt in each gallon of boiling 

 water, and apply in a hot state by means of a fine-rosed 

 water-pot to the surface of the path in dry weather. Apply 

 sufficient to saturate the surface and reach the roots of the 

 weeds. 



(2) Salt. — Where there are only a few weeds to get rid 

 of, sprinkle a little salt over them in dry weather. The 

 disadvantage of salt and brine is that in due course the 

 salt undergoes a chemical change, and slightly enriches 

 the earthy matter, thus providing richer food for support- 

 ing a fresh crop of weeds. 



(3) Carbolic Acid. — Add one fluid ounce of carbolic acid 

 to each gallon of water used, and apply by means of a 

 fine-rosed water-pot. Use leather gloves to protect the 

 hands from injury by the acid. An efficacious remedy, 

 which prevents the grow^th of future weeds for a long time 

 after use. Apply on a hot day. Poisonous. 



(4) Sulphuric Acid. — Add lib. of sulphuric acid (oil of 



