38 



properties of the soil, is carried off by the first current 

 of air which passes through the structure; and the plants 

 decline by reason of starvation, though they had been 

 seated in the midst of plenty. 



The soil which I should recommend for the growth of 

 the Cucumber, would be composed of ingredients, capa- 

 ble of supplying a sufficient portion of vegetable food ; 

 of retaining a due portion of moisture, when placed un- 

 der powerful evaporation ; and of securing the free pas- 

 sage of water through its mass : the former of these 

 conditions would be secured, by the use of mould from 

 the decaying leaves of trees, in the proportion of about 

 three-eighths ; the latter would be ensured, by employing 

 about one-fourth part of turfy heath mould, and one- 

 eighth part of clean coarse sand; and the remaining 

 quality, would result by combining these ingredients 

 with one fourth part of good turfy loam. The prepara- 

 tion of this soil should take place in the dry weather of 

 the summer months, just previous to its being used, so 

 that it can be frequently turned and mixed, without in- 

 curring the danger of reducing it to an adhesive consist- 

 ency, which would at once render it ungenial for the 

 roots of plants : the turfy portions both of the loam and 

 heath soil should be piled up reversely, until the herbage 

 and roots of the grass, become partially decayed; when 

 required for use, it should be chopped into pieces of from 

 two to four inches square, by the spade, and then adding 

 the other ingredients in a rough state, the whole should 

 be well mixed, without sifting, or any other mechanical 

 operation which would have the effect of destroying its 

 open texture. It should always be prevented from be- 

 coming saturated with water; and moreover, should 

 never be applied to the roots of plants which are grow- 

 ing in a warm medium, without having been previously 

 submitted to a high temperature, for a sufficient length 

 of time, to have absorbed at least an equal degree of 



