40 



Subtropical Gardening. 



around the sides also, raising the bed somewhat 

 above the level of the ground ; the cavity in the 

 centre is then filled up, generally with fine light 

 rich soil, using as much of the soil that was dug 

 out as is fit to be used, and arranging the remainder 

 round the edge of the raised bed, covering it neatly 

 with turf. The soil may vary in depth from three 



•» w ^ 



Section of raised bed at Battersea, with brick-rubbish beneath and around the soil. 



feet to eighteen inches, according to the kinds of 

 plants to be grown in it. In this way, by present- 

 ing a larger surface to the sun, it is considered that 

 a greater amount of heat is obtained ; but I cer- 

 tainly think the advantages of the method are not 

 so great in this way as is generally supposed, and 

 that it is quite needless to adopt it in the case of 

 the great majority of subjects. Its chief merit 

 probably is that it secures a better drainage. 

 Good drainage is undoubtedly indispensable, and, 



