310 COME INTO THE GARDEN 



only in liquid form is it possible for them to take 

 nourishment at all. If ever so great efforts are 

 made in the way of providing them nourishment 

 therefore, and this one thing of keeping the 

 moisture in the ground to hold it in solution is 

 neglected, they must starve. 



After the plowing comes the lime — and annu- 

 ally, enough of it to cover the ground lightly. 

 Never be beguiled into a generous application 

 one year in the hope of saving work the next; 

 but put it on every year, in the proportion of 

 about five pounds to one hundred square feet. 

 Spread it as evenly as possible; and then pro- 

 ceed to the harrowing or raking which shall in- 

 corporate it with the soil at the surface, and at 

 the same time shall break up all lumps and 

 fine this upper layer until it is ready for the 

 seed, and for the cordial encouragement of the 

 tiny rootlets that must needs penetrate it in all 

 directions when the seeds sprout. 



Finally, let me urge orderliness in the planting 

 of the seed. It has been said to me by a few 

 successful gardeners — successful in that they 

 are able to raise a great many things by spread- 

 ing them over a great deal more land than is 

 necessary — that straight rows and care in the 

 matter of sowing seed are all nonsense. But 

 such measure of success as comes with disorder 



