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. 



Roses where everyone may enjoy them 



