54 Chrysanthemum Culture for America. 



ing the soil in the pots porous and acting as a storehouse for 

 ammonia. If the turf is of a retentive character, the- soil 

 should be sifted to remove the finer portion, as this prevents 

 the free passage of water, when it is applied abundantly in 

 the growing season. Thus growers having a rather light soil 

 at their disposal are much more favored than those who have 

 to depend on soil which is of a clayey nature, as in the latter 

 the moisture does not escape as readily, and the feeding of 

 the plants afterward cannot be so frequently and safely car- 

 ried, out as in the case of light or porous soils. 



Manure is the next consideration of importance, and must 

 be applied in one form or another. Cow manure is good on 

 light soils, but can not be approved of for a heavy soil, as it is 

 far too retentive in character. The nature of the soil at hand 

 must determine the quality of manure to be used. Decom- 

 posed manure is frequently recommended, but care must be 

 taken that it is not entirely spent, as such manure has but 

 little value. The best manure is that prepared by shaking 

 out all the straw and reserving little but the droppings, which 

 should not be used while too fresh, especially if from horses. 

 When cow manure is dry enough to admit of its being handled 

 conveniently, it may be used in that state. Sheep droppings 

 and the cleanings of the poultry house may also be used 

 when in this condition. Bones are also a powerful adjunct in 

 making up of the compost heaps. Bones finely ground are 

 better than when coarse, as the latter do not give up their 

 manurial properties sufficiently during the short period in 

 which the plants have to complete their growth. Dissolved 

 bones are also beneficial when used in proper quantities. 

 Soot is a powerful agent when continuously applied, although 

 when used excessively it has a most injurious effect upon 

 plants. Quicklime is useful for the destruction of worms, 

 which is an important consideration, and the best time to 

 apply it is when the soil is being prepared for potting, an occa- 



