I2O TALKS ABOUT THE SOIL. 



we shall have a light, loose soil, almost wholly com- 

 posed of organic matter ; and this we store in a shed, 

 or in barrels under cover. If we cannot get sods, dig 

 up the loose top soil under the trees in the woods. 

 This too will be almost wholly organic, because com- 

 posed of the remains of the dead leaves fallen in the 

 course of years beneath the trees. If we cannot ob- 

 tain either of these, get the fine top soil from a field 

 where farm-crops have been cultivated ; choosing, if 

 possible, a field that has only recently been ploughed 

 up from grass. For the inorganic part, use clean sharp 

 river-sand. If it cannot be found along the river- 

 bank or by the shore of fresh-water ponds, take it 

 from any sandbank ; but test it before using, to see if 

 it contains clay. To test the sand, burn it as described 

 in our experiments. Common mason's sand can also 

 be bought at the mason's yard, and may be used if no 

 other can be found. Sea-sand can be used, but it 

 must be freely washed in fresh water to get rid of the 

 salt. It is also best to wash the mason's sand to pre- 

 vent any danger from salt. The fine gravel found at 

 the side of a road or paved street can also be used if 

 carefully sifted. For fertilizers the very best material 

 is stable-manure. It should be piled in a heap under 

 cover for three months, and occasionally turned over 

 with a fork. It will be then completely decayed, and 

 will be dry and clean. If this cannot be obtained, a 

 good fertilizer can be made by mixing equal parts of 

 guano and ground bones. A small proportion of wood- 

 ashes may also be added with benefit. 



