Notes on Greenhouse Plants, S^c. 63 



all underwent a rigid manipulation of division. Subsequent- 

 ly a more enlightened system has prevailed. Soils more 

 simple in character are now employed, but these are arranged 

 so as to allow unimpeded access to permeable gases, and the 

 results are beyond all comparison superior. A finely divided 

 soil becomes a close compact mass after the first application 

 of water, offering a great resistance to roots, and preventing 

 the free admission of air, which is one of the most necessary 

 supports of vegetable life, and as much so to the roots as to 

 the tops. On the contrary, in a porous soil the air finds 

 ready access ; water, when applied, percolates freely ; air im- 

 mediately follows, and the roots can ramify and extend at 

 pleasure. 



In my notes on greenhouse plants, in the last volume of 

 the magazine, (of which this paper is a continuation,) turfy 

 loam was recommended as a suitable soil for their growth. 

 That is, a soil composed of turves that have been cut from 

 an - old pasture field, and laid in a heap for a certain period, 

 say from two to three months, until the natural vegetation is 

 partially decomposed, but not long enough to decompose the 

 fibre, this being the very ingredient that renders it valuable 

 for potting purposes. In selecting these turves, preference 

 should be given to old grass lands that have been many years 

 undisturbed. It should not be cut deeper than the matted 

 roots of the grasses, and should stand to be thrown about 

 without breaking ; this it will do if full of vegetable fibre. 

 It is valuable just in proportion to the amount of fibrous 

 matter it contains, and for all purposes of plant growing is 

 superior to any other combination of soils, both in physical 

 and chemical properties. Its open and porous nature renders 

 it capable of producing and absorbing a great amount of food 

 for plants ; the oxygen of the air having free access to it, the 

 organic matter which it contains is slowly decomposed, and 

 fitted for absorption. When water is applied it passes freely 

 through every part of it ; its numerous pores are immediately 

 filled with air which hold the moisture in suspension ; conse- 

 quently less water is requisite, and the nutritious elements of 

 the soil are not washed out with unnecessary supplies of 



