The Problem of Impoverished Lands, 125 



It passes off through the leaves. 



li>. Is the water which evaporates from tJte soil of any direct use 

 to the plant f 



]^0j not of itself. 



20. The plant needs water ^ — it sweats it out : how shall -we 

 manage so that the plant can have all the water it needs f 



A-ii abundance of water goes into the soil (in New York) every 

 year, but it is not equally distributed. When the plants need it 

 most is the time when there is usually the least rain. The only way 

 we can help the plants (unless we irrigate) is to preserve the moist- 

 ure so that it becomes available when it is most needed. This may 

 be done by draining the land, and in this way increase the storage 

 capacity of the soil (See Lesson No. 2) ; and by keeping a good 

 earth-mulch on the surface so as to prevent, as much as possible, tlie 

 evaporation of the water from the soil. 



21. ^Y7'ite doion all the substances {or materials) you Jcnow lohich 

 the plant must have in order to live and grovj. 



Nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, lime, iron and sulfur were given 

 in Lesson No. 3 as some of the necessary plant-foods. Carbon, 

 hydrogen and oxygen are also necessary. 



22. Which one of these does nature supply in sufficient abund- 

 ance, without a7iy thought on your part f 



Carbon. 



23. What ones can you help nature to supply? 

 Nitrogen, potash, phosphoric acid, lime and water, 



24. Name all the congenial conditions {or agencies) which the 

 plant must have in order to he comfortahle and to grow. 



A certain temperature ; a certain water supply ; a certain amount 

 of humus ; good texture ; and a sutiicient supply of plant-food. 



25. What ones of these can you help nature to supply or maintain? 

 We can influence the water supply, add plant-food and humus, 



and maintain good texture. 



