Choosing the Site 



to the plant an abundance of nutrition, can thoroughly 

 appreciate the enormity of the task. The reward, how- 

 ever, of seeing a splendid crop gained against fearful 

 odds is highly prized, for it reflects at once the ability, 

 the intelligence, and the patient perseverance with which 

 British workmen will strive towards their ideal of per- 

 fection. 



My remarks should not lead readers to think that I 

 incline to the belief that a light soil is an ideal one. 

 Nothing is further from my opinion. I wish, however, 

 to emphasise the fact that a heavy soil means an in- 

 creased expenditure in time and labour, and as those 

 not fully acquainted with the cost of successful tillage 

 are inclined, through want of knowledge, to treat the land 

 in a manner opposed to good culture, it is far better for 

 them to choose a light soil, where the possibility of error 

 is considerably diminished. Personally I should choose 

 a land, when possible, that was midway between the 

 extremes, with a leaning rather towards heaviness. A 

 strong soil, I am fully aware, is more richly endowed 

 with plant food, and if thoroughly tilled, and all waste 

 matter returned to it, will grow splendid crops for years 

 without the addition of animal manures. But, would the 

 amateur treat it properly? There's the rub. I do not 

 accuse him of culpable ignorance, for the necessary know- 

 ledge and practical demonstration is not always within his 

 grasp. At the present moment I can view a plot of land 

 which has on it some useful specimens of vegetables, some 

 of which will in due course grace the exhibition table ; 

 but notwithstanding that no animal manure has been put 

 there for quite six years, the tiller has gained many prizes 

 17 B 



