Rural School Leaflet. 763 



EXPERIMEXTS FOR RURAL SCHOOL-GARDENING 



Experiment I 



Composition of Soils 



By Ethel Gowans 



Purpose. To study the composition of some of our farm soils. Soil is 

 composed of particles of rock, and a greater or less amount of humus, 

 air. and soil water. Before soil is a congenial place for roots it must 

 contain a certain amount of heat, and the soil water in which plant 

 food is soluble must be slightly alkaline. 



Fig. 74. Dogwood 



Materials. A cupful of ordinary soil, some humus, three one-quart 

 fruit jars, and water. 



Method. Humus is the decaying roots, stems, manure, etc. Leaf 

 mould found in the woods is a good example, and the children should 

 be asked to bring some to school. The sand, silt, and clay can be 

 obtained from the ordinary soil as follows: 



Place the cupful of soil in water in one of the jars, and let it soak 

 for a few hours. This will insure the thorough separation of the soil 

 granules. 



Fill the jar two-thirds full of water, stir the contents of the jar 

 thoroughly, then let the soil particles settle for one minute. 



