Garden moss scrapers

1758. The moss-scraper, for standards, is a sort of horse curry-comb (fig. 401.); and for wall trees, is a sickle-like instrument (fig. 402.). In either form, it is used to remove moss from the branches or woody parts of trees; the existence of which is a certain indication of the commencement of decay. It must be confessed, however, that such instruments seldom remove the moss completely; and that the scarifier, by removing a portion of the outer bark, does the business much more effectually, and is greatly to be preferred.