VOL. XVII. (3) 



MAP OF CHELTENHAM 



307 



(a-b) sand and gravel. Some of the sand and gravel has been 

 washed down the bank partially covering the clay-portion. 

 In the field marked (16) pure yellow sand is often found on 

 top of the ridges and yellow clay and gravel in the furrows. 



Fig. 3. — Sketch Section along the line marked "Section I " on the map. 



Soils. — Where not built over, the tracts where the sand 

 occurs are, for the most part, covered with market and nursery 

 gardens. Owing to the light nature of the soil it can be worked 

 in almost any conditions of weather and its open texture en- 

 courages the growth of fibrous roots, but naturally all crops 

 suffer in dry seasons. Spring-sown onions are difficult to grow 

 owing to the prevalence of onion maggot in the dry sandy 

 soils. In the market-gardens, fruit, in the shape of half-standard 

 apples, pears and plums, is mostly grown as a top crop with 

 gooseberries and currants beneath. Strawberries do well, 

 except in dry seasons and the conditions are suitable for pro- 

 ducing early vegetables (cabbage, asparagus, cauhflower and 

 early potatoes). Salad crops, such as lettuce and radishes, 

 are largely grown for early consumption.' 



The principal manure is dung, but as there is little mineral 

 matter in the deposit, it is well to add concentrated fertilisers 

 which make a complete manure and contain phosphates, potash 

 and nitrogen. Owing to the character of the soil, water rapidly 

 runs through, and therefore manures should be added only a 

 short while before the crops. Top-dressings are also helpful 

 to maintain the supply of plant food and to conserve moisture 

 in dry seasons. Mulching with stable litter and surface hoeing 

 are advised. 



Owing to the sandy nature of the soil weeds grow quickly 

 upon it, particularly the Horsetail (locally called " Cat's-tail ") 

 which is very difficult to eradicate because its roots go deep 

 down into the sand-bed in search of water. Annual weeds, 

 Chickweed, Groundsel, etc., are of common occurrence.' 



I I am indebted to Mr G. H. HoUingworth for assistance in preparing these paragraphs. 



