THE NATURE OF THE SOIL 



25 



In a short time the water will have soaked up 

 and moistened the dry soil to the top. 



When, therefore, the natural level of the water is 

 too near the surface of the soil, thus making it 

 swampy, the farmer lays drains in the ground, 

 which drain away the water until it is at the level 

 of the drains. 



The soil is then kept moist by the soaking up of 

 the water from this level, just as in the case of the 

 flower-pot placed in two inches of water. 



The Soil contains Decaying Remains of Plants 



We have already found that the soil contains 

 roots and portions of 

 plants. These decay, 

 forming a black substance 

 called humus, which will 

 burn away if the soil is 

 heated. 



Experiment 19 



Take a portion of 

 garden soil, dry it in a 

 water -bath, and sift it 

 through muslin. Next 

 take a crucible or a piece FIG. 9. 



of platinum foil about three 

 inches by four inches, and bend up the edges so as to 



