a constant and proper equilibrium of the elements 01 plant growth. 

 Therefore, in order that we should be able to do so understaudingly, it 

 is absolutely necessary that we be thoroughly conversant with the prin- 

 ciples governing vegetable growth. In the absence of such knowledge 

 practice is merely empirical. 



One of the prominent operations in culture is that of stirring the 

 surface of the soil around growing crops. The soil may be looked 

 upon as the laboratory of nature, where her decomposing agencies, air 

 and water, prepare the food of plants, and the object of culture is to 

 facilitate these chemical operations as far as our knowledge will admit; 

 and experience fully proves that frequent forking, loosening, or stirring 

 the surface stratum of the soil, thus allowing an unimpeded access of 

 air and moisture to penetrate and follow the various ramifications of 

 plant roots, is undoubtedly the most essential item in what is termed 

 cultivation. 



The efficacy of this treatment depends, however, upon the nature and 

 condition of the soil, as also upon the time and mode of performing 

 the operation. Unless the subsoil is also porous and permeable, its 

 benefits will be comparatively slight. Hence soils that are not natu- 

 rally pervious must be rendered so by draining and subsoiling. 



Soils so treated will continue to support vegetation in a healthy and 

 luxuriant growth even in long-continued dry seasons. This is owing 

 to the facility with which the rain water can penetrate deeply, its 

 downward passage being encouraged by the admission of air, and 

 when, in addition to drainage, the surface is kept loose and open, the 

 rains of a heavy shower penetrate at once instead of passing off on the 

 surface, as will be the case when the top soil is compact and the sub- 

 soil undisturbed. Clayey and tenacious soils require more careful 

 treatment than those of a gravelly or sandy character; these are liable 

 to become hardened on the surface after even slight showers. This is 

 occasioned by their easy solubility, and good management of such soils 

 demand that they should be surface- stirred after every heavy rain. 

 Much now depends upon the time such stirring is performed. Between 

 the softening of JtFie surface by rains and its hardening again by sun 

 and dry air there is a period when it is in the most favorable condition 

 for culture. Here it is difficult to lay down a definite rule, as the prac- 

 tice that would be suitable for one soil and climate would be unsuited 

 to another differently circumstanced. The principle being understood, 

 the practice may readily be deduced. In order to facilitate cultivation 

 all crops should be grown as far as practicable on the drill system. 



There is room for improvement in this respect, especially in garden 

 culture. Garden crops should invariably be grown in. drills suffici- 

 ently wide apart to admit of deep hoeing and forking. And it may be fur- 

 therremarked that there is a wide distinction between what is frequently 

 termed a well-kept garden and one that is well cultivated. The former 

 may be kept perfectly clear of weeds by tUe use of the lioe and rake, 



