LIQUID MANURE 97 



exhibition it is essential that the soil should be moderately 

 moist during the development of the blooms. At the same 

 time watering must not be overdone at any stage. Upon this 

 point it is difficult to formulate rules that will be of practical 

 value, because so much depends upon whether the soil is 

 light or heavy, and whether the season is wet or dry. It is 

 a good practice to give a watering at the time of planting 

 and two or three waterings subsequently at intervals of three 

 or four days should the weather be dry, but not otherwise, 

 as much moisture in the soil before the roots begin to push 

 into it will do more harm than good. After the plants have 

 become established and are in full growth assist them with 

 one or more waterings during periods of dry weather, the 

 number to be determined by the length of the period over 

 which the latter extends. It is of much importance that 

 each supply should be sufficient to moisten the soil well 

 down to the roots. 



After the plants are commencing to bloom freely much 

 assistance will be derived from occasional supplies of liquid 

 manure of a moderate degree of strength. The drainings 

 from the stable and farmyard, when much diluted, are an 

 excellent stimulant at this stage. Some care is necessary 

 in using this liquid, because if it is employed in too strong 

 a condition it will be injurious in its effects, and as the 

 drainings vary much in strength no definite directions can 

 be given for their dilution, which should be made with clear 

 water. A very good liquid stimulant may be prepared by 

 filling a tank or old cask of a capacity of 40 or 50 gallons 

 with water and placing in it a large bag of some loose 

 material filled with horse manure, allowing it to infuse for a 

 day or two. Then commence to use the liquid, and as each 



G 



