SELECTION OF SOIL FOR MAXIMUM CROP 37 



of sawdust mixed with sand, drawn on a founda- 

 dation of sawmill edgings so as to raise it above the 

 water of a swamp. Where one has to contend with 

 such conditions he should make an effort to create 

 a friable soil with a supply of humus by adding the 

 material needed. A very few loads, sometimes even 

 a single load, of clay or sand will greatly change the 

 character of the soil of a sufficient area to grow the 

 one or two dozen plants necessary for a family supply. 

 In the two cases mentioned, the owner of the first 

 named garden used both sand and sawdust to lighten 

 his soil, while the second drew a great many loads of 

 clay on his. 



Growing under glass. — I w^ould make up a soil 

 composed of about three parts rotted sod, two or 

 three parts of well-rotted stable manure (and it is very 

 important that it be well decomposed) and one part 

 either of coarse, sharp sand, sandy loam or clay loam, 

 according as the sod soil is light or heavy, the aim 

 being to form a rich, light, open soil rather than one 

 which is as heavy and compact as desirable for some 

 plants. If sod soil is not available, of course, garden 

 loam can be substituted, but it is very important that 

 the soil be thoroughly mixed, and desirable that it be 

 prepared sometime before it is to be used. Some 

 growers use the same soil for several crops, simply 

 adding some fresh manure; but, if so used, it is im- 

 portant that it be stirred and thoroughly re-mixed and 

 sterilized. 



