26 HOUSE PLANTS 



the pile, and always throw the added mat- 

 ter on the apex of the new pile so that the 

 soil can roll down the sides. If this is 

 done, and the pile turned three or four 

 times, the soil will be thoroughly mixed. 



Before mixing the soil determine whether 

 it is sufficiently moist. This may be told 

 by taking a handful of the soil and pressing 

 it firmly in the hand. If water can be 

 squeezed out the soil is too damp, and 

 ought not to be worked over until enough 

 dry soil has been added to take up the sur- 

 plus moisture. 



If, after having been pressed in the hand, 

 the soil remains together, but will break 

 upon being lightly touched, it contains 

 the proper amount of moisture. If it will 

 not remain in a lump but breaks up imme- 

 diately the pressure is released, it needs 

 more water. Add it by means of a water- 

 ing pot; the amount necessary can be judged 

 better from experience than by any rules 

 which may be laid down. 



