tp 
were accumulated from a number of sources to see 
what could be done with them. 
Some were mixed with our soil, whereas others were 
used without anything added. It was amazing to see 
how much better the plants progressed in straight 
peat. Peats from at least a dozen sources were tried. 
Domestic peats (which come in bulk) appeared to 
give much better results than imported peats (which 
come in bales). Michigan peat gave the best results 
of all. A peat from Ohio sold under the name of 
“Mello Peat” ran a close second. 
New and additional mosses are being tried contin- 
uously. It is hoped that some of these may prove 
desirable, because transportation costs on peat moss 
run quite high. If nearby sources of peat can be 
found, and the peat proves as satisfactory, much 
saving might be realized on the moss. As the results 
of these additional experiments are determined, they 
will be reported upon, provided of course that the 
results are good. 
As stated above, no two soils are alike. In parts of 
New Jersey and Ohio, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, etc. 
will grow into finished stock with less trouble than 
Petunias. In some places on Long Island they grow 
like hay. But even in some areas where the soil is 
light, growers have not been successful in finishing 
these plants. Possibly the addition of a fair percent- 
age of domestic peats will be just what is needed. 
If you have “no luck” in growing Rhododendrons, 
Azaleas, etc., try the peatmoss treatment. Many of 
our good customers who went along with the idea 
last year had good results without excepticn. 
See page 14 for another idea about growing these 
plants into finished stock in peatmoss. 
Banded Shrubs & Evergreens (Continued) 
(About Rhododendrons) 
Sprays & Dusts 
Imported peats (which come in bales) are evidently 
dehydrated so that they can be packed tightly. In 
the process of dehydration, very probably either 
steam or hot water is used. Or possibly, only the 
drying process has a tendency to kill the bugs, bug 
eggs, soil bacteria and soil-borne diseases. 
Domestic peats (which come in bulk or bags) are not 
dehydrated, and evidently carry a very high percent- 
age of soil bacteria. 
Possibly they produce so much better results only 
because of these soil bacteria. 
We don’t know much about it; but we do know that 
these domestic peats do carry their normal quota of 
bugs, bug eggs, and soil-borne diseases. 
During the past several years we have accumulated 
a number of different kinds of bugs from these peats. 
At least it is believed that these insects came in the 
various mosses. Grub worms, cutworms, flea bettle, 
and possibly some others, find the soft, fluffy moss a 
wonderful home. And they seem to prosper magnifi- 
cently in it. 
Soil-borne diseases, of course, must be expected. 
One soil-borne disease, which may be expected 
11 
