134 GROUND FOR A GARDEN. 



before the spring and summer rains can wash 

 the fertilizers away. 



Such land is also greatly improved by mulch- 

 ing, that is, by a covering of coarse litter, 

 leaves, etc. This keeps the surface moist, 

 shields from the special enemy of such a soil, 

 drouth, and by its gradual decay keeps up 

 a certain degree of fertility. Even when 

 using manure broadcast on such land, I have 

 found it better to apply it to the surface, for 

 then it takes longer to wash through out of sight 

 and use. 



Ground of this character has one great 

 advantage it is usually quicker, earlier than 

 any other, which is, for a market garden, a 

 most important consideration. The moment 

 the frost is out you can work it, put in your 

 seed, and no amount of wet weather can pre- 

 vent the cultivation of the crops. While some 

 neignbor may be looking helplessly at his wet 



