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D. M. FERRY & COS DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE 



PAPER MULCH 



The importance of mulching as a means of conserving moisture and controlling weeds has been recognized 

 by successful gardeners for many years. The two methods of mulching most commonly employed have been to 

 cover the space between rows with a loose layer of coarse litter such as straw or stable bedding material, or to 

 stir the surface soil frequently by cultivation or raking. Both methods have served to improve quality and 

 increase yield but both have shown serious drawbacks. In the case of straw or litter mulch the material is fre- 

 quently not available. Even when available it cannot be properly applied until the plants have made con- 

 siderable growth and in consequence is of no help in germination nor in the early stages of growth. While it aids 

 in conserving moisture and keeping down weeds, it is only partially efficacious. Stirring of the soil, thus forming 

 a dust mulch, is the more effective method but it involves too much work for the average gardener. Then, too, 

 if the soil is worked too deeply after the plants have extended their root-systems, this method may do more 

 harm than good. 



The problem of how to secure the benefits of mulching without the drawbacks mentioned led to experimenta- 

 tion with various kinds of heavy paper chemically treated to render it impervious to water and strong enough 

 to be weather proof. 



These experiments resulted in the production of Gator Hide mulch paper, a very thick grade of paper im- 

 pregnated with asphaltum. This asphaltum treatment makes it water and weather proof and as it is dead-black 

 it absorbs the heat from the sun and warms the soil underneath. The heat absorbing action of Gator Hide Mulch 

 Paper is just the opposite from other methods of mulching which all tend to keep the ground cooler by shading. 

 Warming the ground hastens germination and promotes more rapid growth, naturally resulting in earlier maturity. 



Paper mulch possesses in a higher degree all the advantages of other mulches without their serious drawbacks. 

 Some of the advantages are as follows: 



1. Effectually prevents all weed growth between the rows, thus abolishing the laborious task of cultivating. 

 Does away with cultivating; also serves to limit the spread of disease. 



2. Absorbs and holds sun heat, thus making earlier planting possible. 



3. Prevents evaporation and keeps the soil moist and loose. 



4. Protects and stimulates root growth which naturally results in stronger plants and greatly increased yields. 



5. Keeps vegetables that grow above the ground from being covered with dirt. 



6. Quickly and easily applied and readily available. 



Gator Hide Mulch Paper is manufactured in two weights and these are designated as types "A" and "B". 

 Type "A" is lighter in weight and is suitable for vegetables having a short growing season, such as radish and 

 lettuce. Type "B" is adapted for vegetables having a long growing season, such as tomatoes and peppers. 

 Both types are furnished in widths of 18 and 36 inches. 



Type "A" rolls contain 300 lineal yards. Type "B" rolls contain 150 lineal yards. 

 We are prepared to fill orders, for one or more rolls at the following prices: 



18-inch rolls per roll $3.50 f. o. b. Detroit 36-inch rolls per roll $7.00 f. o. b. Detroit 



Shipping weight Type "A" 18 inch 28 lbs. Type "B" 18 inch 32 lbs. 

 Type "A" 36 inch 52 lbs. Type "B" 36 inch 64 lbs. 



Upon request we shall be pleased to mail a booklet which fully describes the benefits derived from the use 

 of Gator Hide Mulch Paper and gives complete directions for its application. 

 Full instructions for handling the paper mulch will accompany each shipment. 



A Demonstration of the Advantages of Paper Mulch at our Experimental Garden 



Fifty plants from the same lot were set two feet apart in a single row. Treatment was the same for all plants 

 up to the time of setting out. Twenty-five plants were set through paper mulch, leaving the other twenty-five 

 plants unmulched. 



At the left is shown the crop from the twenty-five plants which were mulched with Gator Hide Paper. 

 The crop consisted of 217 fruits weighing 78 pounds. 



At the right is shown the crop from the twenty-five unmulched plants. This consisted of 92 fruits weighing 

 H]/i pounds. 



