SOIL FOR 



lizers in the preparation of potting-soil be- 

 cause I do not think a young, small plant re- 

 quires a compost richer than the one already 

 advised. But old plants, or plants that have 

 outgrown the limits of small pots, may need 

 more nutriment in the soil, and this can be 

 supplied in two ways: By adding manure to 

 the mixture, or by the application of fertilizers 

 to the soil, in liquid or solid form. The best 

 manure to make use of is that from the cow- 

 yard, old enough to be readily broken under 

 the hoe. Pulverizing this, and mixing it with 

 the soil in the proportion of about one-fourth 

 part, will give a compost quite rich enough for 

 any plant. But, like leaf-mold, this kind of 

 manure is seldom obtainable away from coun- 

 try neighborhoods; therefore a good substi- 

 tute is advised. There are many plant-foods 

 on the market, but I know of nothing better 

 than fine bone-meal. This can be bought in 

 any place where agricultural supplies are sold. 

 Most florists can furnish it, though no doubt 

 many of them will advise some pet "food" 

 which will admit of greater profits. Mix the 

 bone-meal with your potting-soil, if you con- 

 clude to use it, in the proportion of a teacup- 

 ful to a half-bushel of the latter. Mix it in 



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