770 



Gardening for Amateurs 



For white flowers at Christmas time pot required for growing in fibre, as some 



Roman Hyacinths and Paper White Narcissi kinds are more suitable than others, 



in September, and later for succession of Narcissi are most satisfactory of all. Hya- 



bloom. To follow these there are innumer- cinths do well, but Tulips are not usually 



A collection of bulbs grown in fibre. 



able varieties of Narcissi and Daffodils, successful in fibre. Lily of the Valley, 



Crocuses, large-flowered Hyacinths, Snow- Liliums, and small bulbs like Crocus and 



drops, and Tulips. It is advisable to Snowdrop may be attempted with every 



inform the nurseryman that the bulbs are hope of success. 



Using Weedkillers. The old methods 

 of keeping paths free from weeds by hoeing 

 or hand-weeding have been largely super- 

 seded by the use of chemical preparations. 

 These are usually either in powder or liquid 

 form and highly concentrated, so that 

 before being used they need diluting with 

 water. They are then applied to the surface, 

 preferably by means of a fine-rosed can. 

 If the gravel is sufficiently wetted there 

 should be no more trouble with weeds or 

 moss until the following spring. Weed- 

 killers are poisonous, and the greatest care 

 should be exercised in their use. The tins 



in which they are sold ought to be burnt, 

 while watering cans used must be thoroughly 

 cleaned immediately after use. It is im- 

 portant to avoid stepping from the wet 

 surface of the paths upon the lawn or the 

 grass may be damaged. To prevent the 

 liquid reaching grass or other edges, boards 

 are usually laid alongside them. Salt is 

 often used for the purpose of killing weeds 

 but, though generally satisfactory, owing to 

 the manurial properties contained in salt, 

 grass grows with greater luxuriance once the 

 harmful effects have worn off, so that the 

 results are not lasting. 



