SOILS AND MANURES 25 
it pure and clean, and to mix only what is needed at a time. 
Should the soil be too dry it must be watered beforehand, so as 
to be suitable for use when needed. If too wet it must be al- 
lowed to dry until satisfactory. 
Soils for foliage plants should be rich and must contain 
plenty of ammonia, which is an ingredient in most natural man- 
ure. Soil for large plants should be lumpy and fibrous, and 
sifted soil should be used only for seedlings, cuttings, or delicate 
plants. Most of these varieties of soils can be obtained through 
any first-class florist. The window-gardener who wants to be 
exact and careful had, however, better mix for himself any 
special soil that will be recommended later on in the cultural 
notes. Soils and manures in small quantities should always be 
kept on hand in boxes, tubs, or other convenient receptacles, 
or, as recommended in the chapter on appliances, in a specially 
provided box. 
