236 SMALL PEUIT CULTUKIST. 



ing to considerable depth. Some cultivators remove all of 

 the surface soil to the depth of six inches or a foot, and, in 

 some cases, it may be beneficial for the purpose of bringing 

 the whole bed to a lower grade, but where this is not re- 

 quisite, and sand is abundant, it is cheaper to spread on a 

 greater depth of sand and leave the whole depth of nat- 

 ural soil. 



Again, if the peat is deep enough so that a portion can 

 be spared, it should be carted off for manuring the adja- 

 cent land, especially if it is of a sandy nature, for there is 

 no more valuable manure, (barn-yard excepted,) than the 

 top layer of these peat or muck swamps. It is always 

 better to prepare the ground at least one season before 

 planting, so that all weeds, brush, and roots, may be thor- 

 oughly destroyed; because if it is not done at the start, it 

 will be a difficult operation after the ground is covered 

 with plants. 



Where the soil is sufficiently firm to admit of being 

 plowed and harrowed, it is best to do so, as by this means 

 a more thorough preparation can be obtained, and at less 

 expense than when wholly performed by hand. When 

 the soil has been made level, and otherwise prepared, it 

 should be covered with pure sand to the depth of from 

 four to eight inches, the depth being regulated by the 

 nature of the soil ; if it is very loose, then apply more 

 than when comparatively compact, as more or less will 

 sink into the soil below. 



A uniform depth is quite important, and can easily be 

 obtained, provided the surface is made level before its 

 application. 



The position and texture of the soil will suggest the best 

 mode of application, whether by teams or otherwise. 



There are many locations where these peat-beds are un- 

 derlaid with sand, and if the soil is not over one or two 

 feet deep, and can be sufficiently drained to allow of their 

 being conveniently worked, they may be trenched, bring- 



