96 THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



Dolichos. Mentioned under Hyacinth Bean. 



Dracaenas of the conservatories (properly 

 mostly CORDYLINES) are sometimes used as house plants, 

 Protect from direct sunlight, keep an even and fairly high 

 temperature, water freely when they are growing. When 

 the plants begin to fail, return them to the florist for recu- 

 peration, where they may have equable conditions. They 

 are handsome long-leaved foliage plants, excellent for 

 jardinieres. 



Drainage serves two purposes: first, to carry 

 superfluous water from the land; second, to lower the water- 

 table or hard-pan, and to make the soil loose and friable 

 above. Nearly all hard clay lands are much benefited by 

 draining, even though they are not too wet. The region of 

 free or standing water is lowered and air is admitted into 

 the soil, rendering it fine and mellow. For carrying off 

 mere surface water, surface or open ditches are sufficient ; 

 but if the soil is to be ameliorated, the drain must be be- 

 neath the surface. The best underdrains are those which 

 use hollow or cylindrical tiles, but very good results may be 

 had by making drains from stones. In regions where there 

 are many flat stones, a very good conduit may be laid with 

 them, but they are likely to get out of order. If there is 

 considerable fall to the ditch, the bottom may be filled for 

 the space of 10 inches or a foot with common stones rolled 

 in, and the water will find its way between them. If the 

 stones are even deeper than this, the results will be better; 

 and such ditches also provide place for disposing of super- 

 fluous stones. 



The deeper the ditch the further it will draw on either 

 side. It should always be deep enough to be protected from 

 freezing, particularly if tiles are used. Three feet should 

 be the least depth, and 3% feet is a good average depth. 

 Drains as deep as this need not be placed oftener than 2 to 3 

 rods apart, unless, in garden conditions, it is desired to 



