54 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
evaporated also by the sun’s rays. Rain or pond water 
is better than tap water for plants and lawns where it can 
be obtained. 
Mulching. — This term implies the use of a layer of 
moisture-oonserving material, as decayed manure, cocoa- 
nut-fibre refuse, leaf-^mould, or lawn mowings, as a cover- 
ing for the surface of the soil in borders or beds. A mulch 
Fig. 31 . A FLORAL ARBOUR. 
A garden seat embowered in Clematises and fragrant Jasmine. An 
appropriate feature for the end of a walk. 
of either of the foregoing materials protects the surface 
roots of plants from the hot rays of the sun and prevents 
the evaporation of moisture from the soil. On hot, dry, 
light or sandy soils such a mulch is of the greatest benefit 
to the plants, and dispenses with the frequent necessity for 
watering. Even on a lawn, if the machine be used with- 
out the collecting box in very dry weather, the short grass 
