Weeds and Moss. 



67 



4. Moss on 'Walks and Lawns, — In damp and shady places, and 

 also in sterile places, moss may appear on walks and lawns. 

 If the conditions cannot be improved, the following treat- 

 ments may be tried : 



1 lb. oil of vitriol (sulphuric acid) to 10 qts. of water. Wet 

 the surface thoroughly, being careful not to sprinkle edgings 

 or good sod. 



In early spring, while the ground is soft, work it back- 

 wards and forwards, 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 1-6 of fresh lime. Mix 

 with compost a few days before using. Ccver the ground 

 with the compost at the rate of 200 barrow-loads per acre, 

 passing it through a %in. sieve, to save the trouble of roll- 

 ing. Rake it evenly over the surface with a wooden rake, 

 and when dry seed down. An English method. 



5. Moss on Trees. — Moss on fruit-trees is usually an indication of 

 lack of vigor. Cultivate 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. 



/ went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man 

 void of understanding; andlo.it was all grown over with thorns y 

 and nettles covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was 

 broken down. — Solomon. 



