6 ALLOTMENT GAEDENS 



in the space with rough broken bricks, stones, and 

 clinkers to a depth of 6 inches and then covering the 

 whole with fine gravel, sand, or sifted ashes 3 inches 

 deep, making the centre of the paths a little higher 

 than the sides. Grass paths look nice, but not only do 

 they harbour insects but are very slippery in wet 

 weather unless the grass is constantly cut. A foot- 

 scraper is essential and may be easily made from a piece 

 of hoop iron and pieces of wood. The main roads and 

 drainage of a field of allotments, where necessary, are 

 attended to by the Committee of Management. 



Water is always greatly in demand on an allotment 

 in dry summers. Where there is no river or stream and 

 the water is not laid on to a field of allotments by the 

 Committee of Management each allottee has to look 

 after his own water-supply. 



This may be done by sinking a few barrels, one above 

 the other, at the end of the allotment. The top barrel 

 being well above the ground and fitted with a cover, 

 which has to be locked to prevent the more improvi- 

 dent allottees from taking advantage. Well-water 

 should be exposed to the sun and air for some days 

 before it is used. 



Much of the land converted into allotments is grass 

 land, and much time and money is wasted by those who 

 do not know what to do. If the weather is favourable, 

 the best time to ' break up ' such land is from October 

 to December, and the top ' spit ' should be again moved 

 in February or March. 



A question often asked is, * What shall we do with the 

 turf ? ' If the soil is of a heavy retentive nature (clay) 

 it is better to burn it, and mix the ashes with the seeds 

 when sowing, this will ensure more evenly distributed 



