66 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



quickly blocking the drains. For walks they may he constructed 6 inches square, inside 

 measurement, the grating either let into a strong oak or stone framework, the sides to be 

 4|-inch brickwork, resting on a flat stone base. For the drives the gully-holes ought 

 to be from 15 inches to 18 inches square, and, as a rule, o-inch drain pipes are not too 

 large for drives and carrying away a rush of water, 2 -inch j)ipes sufficing for the rest. 

 Gratings must be kept free from leaves and. gravel, and ought always to be movable 

 in order that the gully-holes may be frequently emptied of mud that quickly collects in 

 them in some positions. It only remains to be added that the invention of Mr. 

 "W. H. Sladdin, Brighouse, Yorks, is excellent for its purpose, and that neither this 

 appliance nor the gratings need be actually sunk in the walks or drives, but should be 

 flush with the edgings. (See Fig. 35.) 



Cleansing Geavel. 



Gravelled surfaces cannot be satisfactory if infested with mosses or weeds. Hand- 

 weeding is out of date, and salt has long since been found to make the gravel damp and 



rotten. Arsenical preparations, sold under 

 the name of "Weed Killers," and applied 

 . ' , as advised by their vendors, destroy all 



'iijaj,j,jij,^^ vegetation, also give walks and drives a 



cleaner, brighter appearance than formerly. 



Fig-. 35. Slaudin's Gully Teap. 



, , , Those who prefer to make their own weed- 



a, open ; o, closed. 



killers can do so, the following recipes 

 extracted from the "Horticultural Directory" all answering well:— 



"1. Mr. W. Sowerby, of the Eoyal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, reports that 

 for killing vegetation, and preventing its growth on gravel walks, he found carbolic 

 acid in very dilute portions (No. 5 quality in one hundred parts water) was the best, 

 retaining its efi'ect longer than any other. 



"2. Dissolve 1 lb. of powdered arsenic in 3 gallons of cold water, stirring until it 

 boils. Then add 7 gallons of cold water, and 2 lbs. crushed soda. Stir the whole well 

 whilst boiling, and with a rose-watering pot apply to the walks in dry weather from 

 March to May. An inclining board should be placed so as to keep the hot liquid from 

 the grass or box edgings. The quantity is sufficient for twenty-five square yards. 



" 3. A saturated solution of carbolic acid sprinkled over the path from a common 

 watering-can will effectually destroy the weeds, and also kill ants and other small 



