14 
BEAUTIFUL GARDEN FLOWERS. 
If there he no space for storing, the leaves and 
annual weeds may he forked into the soil between the 
plants, and the grass mowings may he utilised as a top 
dressing or mulch, during the summer months. If 
spread over the soil in thin layers, it decays slowly and 
inoffensively, and during hot dry summers is a great 
boon, as it prevents the too rapid evaporation from 
the soil round the roots of the plants. Refuse treated 
in this way, instead of being a nuisance becomes a 
valuable agent, not only as a source of plant food, but 
as a check to the development of weeds. One must, 
however, discriminate between clean refuse, and that 
which is infested with fungoid diseases, or has served 
to harbour slugs, snails, or other vermin, or their eggs. 
In the latter case, the safest plan is to get the refuse 
burned, and afterwards strew the ashes over the soil. 
LAWNS AND GRASS PLATS.— A lawn, large or 
small, is always appreciated in connection with the 
hardy flower garden. Even grass pathways between 
the beds and borders, if kept in good condition, are to 
be preferred to gravel or concrete. Unless, however, 
they are kept free from weeds such as Daisies, Dande- 
lions, Plantain, Moss, &c., they are a source of con- 
tinual expense, trouble, and disappointment. Weeds 
may either be taken out root and all with an old knife 
or grubber, and burned, or they may be destroyed by 
dipping a strong skewer or piece of iron in vitriol 
and piercing the heart of the plant. A good pinch 
of salt may also be put on the centre of each Daisy, 
Dandelion, or Plantain in dry weather, and in a few 
days will destroy them. This remedy is useless in 
wet weather. Worms are often a great nuisance 
