20 HOUSE PLANTS 



manure; the latter can be used, however, 

 but it tends to make the soil cold and clammy. 

 Well-decayed horse manure may usually 

 be purchased in the suburbs and smaller 

 towns from the livery or other stables. 

 If you cannot purchase rotted horse manure 

 and you have a convenient place in any 

 out-of-the-way corner in the backyard where 

 fresh droppings can be stored, well and good. 

 They will require several months to rot prop- 

 erly. Protect it from the rain and turn 

 it over frequently to prevent burning. If 

 the manure gets too dry sprinkle it with 

 water when turning. 



Sheep, hen, pigeon, and other manures 

 may be used in mixing potting soils, but 

 very sparingly, for they are so strong that 

 if a large amount is used the roots of the 

 plants will be burned. 



LEAFMOULD, PEAT, AND MUCK 



Added to the potting soil, either leafmould, 

 peat or muck makes it much more friable, 

 increases its water-holding capacity, eases the 

 circulation of the air through it, and induces 

 a better growth of roots. In no case is 

 there actual fertilizing value. In raising 



