14 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



particle of the fibre, but rather sifting or shaking a 

 portion of the mouldy particles from it. It thus 

 forms a soil with much more fibre in it than is gen- 

 erally used for pines, and one which the soft, rather 

 fleshy roots of the pine seem wonderfully to enjoy. 



This soil is used without any addition of manure 

 consisting of animal excrement. I consider it very 

 undesirable to use anything that has a tendency to 

 produce a pasty, retentive tendency in the loam, or 

 that would rapidly hasten the decomposition of the 

 fibrous part of it. Animal excrement has a tendency 

 to do both, and on that account I never use it for the 

 pine : all that is added to or mixed with the loam 

 is an 8 -inch potful of half-inch bones, and the same 

 quantity of soot, to each barrowful of the loam. 

 These mixtures are highly manurial, have a beneficial 

 mechanical effect on the soil, and offer no inducement 

 to the inroads of worms, but the contrary. 



I have always observed that the most vigorous of 

 the roots are found in the most fibry part of the ball. 

 Besides, turfy loam, free from all slimy matter, is 

 regarded as the best medium for supplying nourish- 

 ment in a liquid state, as will be found recommended 

 further on in this treatise. I would therefore re- 

 commend a friable loam, with all the verdure that 

 grows on it such as the top three, or at most four, 

 inches of an old pasture, where such can be had ; 

 and should such not be attainable, and the cultivator 

 therefore be obliged to use a heavier soil, I would re- 

 commend that a portion of sand, pounded oyster-shells, 

 charcoal, old plaster, or mortar-rubbish be mixed with 

 it, to prevent its ever becoming compressed or puttied 

 - a condition which is most injurious. 



