180 



THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



Too full 



a little richer soil. This operation should continue until 



the plant has made the desired growth. If it is desired to 

 grow a geranium, fuchsia, begonia, or 

 plants of a similar character, large enough 

 for a window plant say to the height or 

 breadth of two feet, a 6-inch pot will be 

 large enough, provided the soil is rich 

 enough to continue the growth of the 

 plant while in flower. It often happens 

 that pots of the various sizes are not to 

 hand ; and in case the pot is too large, it 

 should have the drainage increased until it 

 will take up as much room in the bottom as 

 the pot is too large. Bear in mind that 

 the soil should not hold free water. After 

 the plant has filled the pot with roots it 

 will often be necessary to supply more food 

 as the soil becomes exhausted. This may 



be done by digging out the top soil down 



to the young, white roots, replacing with 



new soil in which a little rotted manure, 



a pinch of bone-meal or other plant- 

 food, has been added. Liquid manure 



may be used. This liquid manure is 



made from well rotted cow-, horse-, or 



sheep -manure thrown into a tub or barrel, 



covered with water, and allowed to stand 



until the strength of the manure is 



soaked out. This liquid should be diluted 



before using with clear water until it has 



the color of weak coffee. If used with 



judgment, nothing will cause a better 



growth or a greater quantity of flowers. 



The drainage may consist of any coarse material, such 



as old broken pots, small stones, pieces of charcoal, and the 



like, over which should be placed small broken sod or a little 



Careless 



