THE TREE DOCTOR 



175 



but let us adapt the surroundings to the advanced conditions 

 both for human and plant life. 



The principal object of these pages on "Better Flowers" is 

 to show you, first : that you must get rid of the surplus water 

 by drainage. Second : feed the plant. Third : care for and 

 protect the root. You will get your "crop" of flowers or fruit as 

 a reward for "services rendered." 



Photo 160 

 Poor Taste in Terracing. 



Having now given you the "key" you can unlock the store- 

 house of Nature's inexhaustible supply. If you ignore the fun- 

 damental principles underlying the success with all plant-life, 

 you would do better to give the money that you spend for seeds 

 and plants to the Salvation Army, and save yourself the annoy- 

 ance of failure ; but you will try, will you not? I would suggest 

 that you experiment with some of the commonest plants. 



You will probably want Mignonette. These will not trans- 

 plant. Take a few small flower-pots, fill with earth, press down 

 gently ; drop in four or five seeds, lightly cover with sand. 

 They grow readily. Don't let the earth dry out ; keep the pots 



