GETTING ESTABLISHED 



The Soil. The type of soil is a highly impor- 

 tant factor in determining upon location; also 

 important is its crop-producing capacity. For 

 all general purposes, a soil which is loamy in 

 texture is desirable. Types to be avoided are 

 the extremes of clay and sand. A heavy clay 

 soil, particularly where the land is in a depres- 

 sion, not only inhibits plant growth of all 

 kinds but is often undesirable as a place of 

 residence from the standpoint of healthfulness. 

 A condition of extreme muddiness in wet weather 

 creates an unpleasant reaction on those forced 

 to live near it. On the other hand, areas which 

 are so sandy in character as to furnish no 

 fertility for the growth of plants will be found 

 undesirable in making the surroundings of the 

 home attractive and in growing the vegetables 

 and fruits which should constitute a part of 

 the living. 



One method of judging the soil consists of 

 examining the vegetation that is already growing 

 upon it and determining on that basis whether 

 it is likely to be favorable for the growth of 

 desirable plants. For this reason, the selection 

 of a site during the growing season is recom- 

 mended, rather than during a dormant season 

 when it is difficult to form an estimate of the 

 vegetation that the soil will support. 



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