150 THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



some stimulant when in full flower. The flowers continue 

 through a long season. They propagate freely from seed. 

 Lobelia Erinus, in blue, 6 inches high, is one of the most 

 popular of all annual edging plants. In Europe various 

 perennial Lobelias are popular, but they are seldom seen in 

 American gardens. 



London Purple. Discussed under Paris Green. 

 Love-Lies-Bleeding. See Amarantus. 



Manure adds plant-food to the soil, and it also 

 improves the texture or physical condition of the soil. This 

 latter effect is often its greatest value. If one wants mere 

 plant-food alone, he may often do better to add it in some 

 more concentrated form. See Fertilizers. Manure, when 

 thoroughly incorporated with the soil, makes the ground 

 congenial for the plant. It is important, in garden opera- 

 tions, that the Manure be rotted or composted, or "short" 

 or "fine," as the gardeners say. It then incorporates readily 

 with the soil and quickly gives up its fertility. Manure is 

 composted by letting it decay in piles. The compost pile 

 should be flat on top, so that it will catch the rains, and 3 

 to 5 feet high. 



The most desirable Manure for the garden and for house 

 plants is probably old cow Manure. It does not burn or lose 

 its strength. It may be kept for a number of years if piled 

 under shelter, becoming more available each year. It mixes 

 well with soil and leaf -mold. When once rotted, this manure 

 is very lasting and easily assimilated by plants. Horse 

 Manure is very likely to become overheated, and to lose its 

 value; and it is too loose and dry for many purposes. Pig 

 Manure, unless well composted with soil or refuse, is usually 

 too heavy and rich. Sheep Manure is at its best when used 

 in a liquid form, although it is most excellent to mix with 

 soil to loosen it. 



All garden refuse, such as vines, leaves, decaying vege- 

 tables, will make Manure if composted with soil ; and if the 



