LAWNS AND LICHEN 233 



fertilizer and grass-seed. Roll the land down level. All poor spots in 

 lawns should be repaired in this manner every year. The use of fresh 

 and coarse stable manure on lawns should be discouraged, both be- 

 cause it is offensive and because it generally abounds in weeds. 



Moss on lawns and walks. 



In damp and shady places, and also in sterile places, moss may ap- 

 pear on walks and lawns. If the conditions cannot be improved, the 

 following treatments may be tried : — 



One pound oil of vitriol (sulfuric acid) to ten quarts of water. Wet 

 the surface thoroughly, being careful not to sprinkle edgings or good 

 sod. 



In early spring when the ground is soft, work it backwards and for- 

 wards with a long-toothed rake, in order to bring the moss to the 

 surface. Clear away the moss, and leave the ground untouched for a 

 fortnight. Early in March repeat the operation, and about the middle 

 of that month apply a dressing of rich compost, which may consist of 

 any old rubbish well decomposed, adding one-sixth of fresh lime. Mix 

 with compost a few days before using. Cover the ground with the 

 compost at the rate of 200 barrow-loads per acre, passing it through 

 a 1-inch sieve, to save the trouble of rolling. Rake it evenly 

 over the surface, and when dry seed down. An English method. 



Endeavor to improve the sod, as recommended on page 232, and 

 thereby drive out the moss. In shady places, where grass will not grow, 

 plant some shade-loving plant, as periwinkle (Vi7ica minor), lily-of- 

 the- valley, violets, moneywort {Ltjsimachia nummularia), or species 

 of carex. Note the ground-cover plants that grow in shady places in 

 the region. 



Moss or Lichen on Trees 



Moss on fruit-trees is usually an indication of lack of vigor. Culti- 

 vate and prune. Wash the trees with soap or lye washes. Scrape 

 off the bark, exercising care not to expose the " quick," or the tender 

 inner bark. A good scraper is made of a small and much-worn hoe 

 with the handle cut to about two feet long. 



The moss is readily destroyed by bordeaux mixture and other good 

 fungicides. 



