CONSERVING THE MOISTURE 



25 



Mulching 



There is a double object in this: First, to retain the mois- 

 ture; and, second, better to preserve a suitable temperature 

 in the soil. What is called a "dust-mulch," maintained by 

 frequent hoeing, is, perhaps, the best method, although, 

 where the summers are warm, a covering in early July of 

 long "strawy" cow- or horse-stable manure that will not 

 heat, will accomplish the same object. The illustrious ama- 

 teur rose-grower, George C. Thomas, Jr., of Chestnut Hill, 

 Philadelphia, Pa., keeps the surface of the soil in his beds 

 about 2 or 4 inches below the boundary turf, and then he 

 fills the beds level full with peat-moss, which acts not only 

 as a mulch, but effectually stops weed-growth. This we look 

 upon as even better than a manure-mulch, because the 

 latter may encourage root-growth nearer the surface than 

 is desirable. We have also tried sawdust for covering the 

 beds in summer. It certainly prevented need for weeding 

 and otherwise seemed beneficial. 



>s where everyone may enjoy them 



