190 



THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



grown. Usually this is one to four ; that is, after a layer 

 of sod four inches thick, a layer of stable manure one 

 inch thick is placed over it. Another layer of sod is then 

 added, followed by a layer of manure until the whole is 

 from five to six feet in height. Early in December this 

 pile should be turned thoroughly, and the manure well 

 incorporated with the soil. If possible, the compost 

 should be turned once or twice during the winter and 



FlG. 21. A compost heap. 



again in the early spring. Just before putting this soil 

 in the benches, the compost heap should once more be 

 turned, and at this time any additional fertilizers, such 

 as bone meal or wood ashes, may be added. 



Every range in which considerable propagating is done 

 should have a second compost pile composed of sod alone. 

 This soil is used to pot plants as they come from the propa- 

 gating bench. 



The field method. The second method of soil prepara- 

 tion, which is quite generally practiced where large 

 quantities of soil are needed, is to select a piece of sod 

 ground, where the soil is of the right character, and to 

 top-dress it in August with an even coating of stable 



