84 horticulturist's rule-book. 



enough for this purpose, the weeds may be cut off below 

 the surface with a long knife or spud, and the crowns are 

 then readily pulled out. Or a little sulphuric acid — oil of 

 vitriol — may be poured upon the crown of each plant. 



It will usually be found that weedy lawns are those in 

 which the sod is poor and thin. The fundamental remedy, 

 therefore, is to secure a strong sod. This is done by rak- 

 ing or harrowing over the lawn in late spring when it is 

 somewhat soft, and sowing a liberal dressing of chemical 

 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 stable manure on lawns should be 

 discouraged, both because it is offensive and it generally 

 abounds in weed seeds. 



Veeds on walks. — Walks should be so made that weeds 

 cannot grow in them. This can be done by making a deep 

 stone foundation and filling between the stones with cinders, 

 coal ashes, or other similar material. But when weeds 

 become established they can be destroyed by the following 

 methods : 



Salt. — Hot brine (1 pound of salt to 1 gallon of water), 

 boiled in a kettle on wheels and dipped out into watering- 

 pots. Brine is better than dry salt, because it leaves very 

 little color upon the walk. 



Lime and Sulphur. — 10 gallons of water, 20 pounds of 

 quicklime, and 2 pounds of sulphur are boiled in an iron ves- 

 sel. After settling, the clear part is dipped off and used when 

 needed. Care must be taken, as it will destroy edgings. 



Oil of Vitriol. — 1 part oil of vitriol (sulphuric acid) 

 to 30 parts of water. Apply with a watering-pot. Choose 

 a clear evening after a hot day. Keep clear of the edgings. 

 The pot should be well painted, or a wooden pail should be 

 used. 



Arsenite of Soda. — Place 1 pound of powdered arsenic 

 in 3 gallons of cold water, boil and keep stirring ; then add 

 7 gallons of cold water and 2 pounds of crushed soda ; stir 

 well while boiling. Apply in dry weather. 



