one] Dotation anU toangement ? 



measured off and defined by stakes driven into the ! 

 ground. The width of the beds should be not more 

 than can be easily reached across for weeding and 

 cultivating. Where the soil has not been previously 

 cultivated it must be spaded at least two feet deep, 

 and thoroughly pulverised. All roots and stones 

 should be removed. If the soil is clayey or gravelly 

 it will be best to remove it entirely and to fill in with 

 soil better adapted to the growth of flowers. Or the 

 surface may be removed for several inches and laid 

 aside. Then the poorer subsoil should be dug out and 

 removed and the surface-soil replaced in the bot- 

 tom of the bed with a liberal quantity of old, well- 

 rotted manure. The bed should then be filled to its 

 original level with leaf-mould or muck. If all the 

 original soil is to be retained, remove the top-soil for 

 top-dressing. Spade the manure into the subsoil and 

 replace the surface-soil. In ground which has not 

 been cultivated this surface-soil is rich in humus or 

 leaf-mould, which furnishes food in its most available 

 form for the young plant, and should, therefore, be 

 left where the plant can use it and not be turned under 

 as is usually done. Nature never turns the soil upside 

 down ; nor will the wise gardener, except when a richer 

 and better soil is to be added or when it is necessary 

 to work in manure. 



In making beds that have been worked before 

 and need no enriching, excellent results may be se- 

 cured by pushing a long spade into the ground the 



