22 BOOK OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 



Should the loam be light or sandy, less sand will be 

 needed in the mixture ; but should it be the reverse, a 

 few shovelfuls of old mortar rubble, pounded small, may 

 be used with advantage. 



Again, if one has only turf of poor quality to draw 

 upon, it will be a good plan to have some in stack for a 

 twelvemonth with some farm-yard manure sandwiched 

 between each layer of turves. This will put some vim 

 into the material, and will be useful for all purposes. 

 The potting material should be well mixed by turning 

 several times, and allowed to lie a few days, as suggested, 

 before being used. 



In the matter of adding bone or other artificial 

 manure to potting compounds, it will be prudent to 

 use rather under than over the stipulated quantity, 

 as one can always add afterwards to a plant by top- 

 dressings, etc. ; whereas, should the soil be a little over- 

 done with manure, it may quickly turn sour, and this 

 would mean a very serious check to the plant. 



Most manufacturers of repute that send out artificial 

 manure usually enclose a very carefully compiled scale 

 for using their manures for all purposes, and this will 

 be fairly safe to act upon. 



The pots may be sorted out and carefully crocked. A 

 good-sized piece of crock should be placed in an inverted 

 position over the hole at the bottom, and over this should 

 be placed some smaller pieces, until a sufficient depth for 

 drainage has been formed. Over the whole of the drainage, 

 pieces of turf or other material should be placed, that 

 will prevent the potting soil working down among the 

 crocks and so allow the latter to act their part in the 

 life of the plant. 



In commencing the potting, see that the plants have been 

 sufficiently watered, carefully remove the crocks without 

 injuring the roots, pot firmly. 



Push the soil evenly around the plant with a thin, 



