THE SOIL THE HOME OF THE PLANTS. 4/ 



seventy-five per cent of one, and twenty-five per cent 

 of the other. Another soil might show a very different 

 proportion, and only in the richest garden-soils in low 

 lands will so large a proportion of organic matter be 

 found. Select soils from different fields, and from dif- 

 ferent parts of the same field, and repeat this experi- 

 ment. Try also subsoils obtained by digging down 

 below the soil. Make careful notes of every experi- 

 ment, and compare them with the notes already made 

 of the same fields or gardens. If the amount of ash 

 is very large, it is probably a very poor, sandy soil. If 

 the amount of ash is very small, it is probably a peaty 

 or boggy soil. In all things, test carefully. Leave 

 nothing to guess-work ; and, above all, make accurate 

 records of every thing done, and at the time it is done. 

 Never leave the records to be made the next day. 

 Have pencil and note-book always in the pocket, and 

 record every thing in detail, and add the date, and 

 sign with your full name. This is the true scientific 

 spirit and method of work. 



