148 JOTTINGS OF A GENTLEMAN GARDENER 



the soil, which had been well prepared, was usually quit* 

 damp of itself. 



Large clumps of perennials had 3-4 gallons of water 

 poured into them gradually. Small clumps had less 

 in proportion, and summer beds with dwarf surface-rooted 

 annuals, etc., had less still for a given area. 



The Water itself : Experiments have shown that rain 

 water is not, in our district (coal measures and millstone 

 grit), necessary for watering. Tap water is largely used, 

 but this is soft. In districts where the water is very hard, 

 it is not over suitable for watering. Other experiments 

 than mine have shown this. But hard water can usually 

 be improved by allowing it to stand in large open tanks, 

 and it can be softened by introducing a certain amount 

 of lime. The local water authorities will say how much 

 bicarbonate of lime per 1,000 gallons their water contains, 

 and the local chemist should be able to calculate the 

 amount of slaked lime required to make it soft. 



If the amateur has tanks at his disposal he should let 

 them stand full of tap water, for even if soft it is improved 

 by exposure to the air. Its temperature then more 

 nearly agrees with the temperature of the soil. However, 

 so far as I have gone I have never noticed that water 

 drawn straight from the mains is harmful. I do not think 

 this has ever been shown to be the case, except, of course, 

 for indoor plants, and especially those grown in hot- 

 houses. Such plants must be given water of a similar 

 temperature to that of the house, otherwise they may 

 be badly injured. 



The Hose Pipe : A hose pipe is of untold value, and 

 with it there is no excuse for underwatering the plants. 

 Using a hose pipe is quite one of the gardener's j oiliest 

 experiences. Really, two people are required to do it 

 properly, one to fag, while the other holds the pipe. 



The hose pipe is an extremely useful appliance, but it 

 needs using carefully. If the nozzle has not a rose on it, 

 the second finger of the left hand may be put at one side 

 of the jet of water to turn it into a light spray. Extra 



