A SELF-SUPPORTING HOME 



last, firm and unwithered, until March. Egg 

 or orange boxes can be utilized instead of 

 making trenches, if they are well lined with 

 newspapers. 



Potting mould will be required in Febru- 

 ary, when it is difficult to procure unfrozen 

 materials; so should be prepared now, and 

 stored in barrels in the barn or cellar. Leaf- 

 mould from the woods is excellent filling for 

 seed boxes, but if distance and weight render 

 it impracticable, make a compost of dried 

 leaves, sod, earth, sand, and old stable drop- 

 pings, a two-inch layer of each alternated 

 until a depth of three feet is collected. Pack 

 down tightly, water slightly, and leave for a 

 week or so. Then work over with a manure 

 fork, until very thoroughly mixed. Repeated 

 two or three days, this will result in extremely 

 good potting mould to store in your barrels 

 until spring. 



