CARE OF THE GARDEN 49 



foliage must have nitrogen ; that phosphorus and 

 potash are necessary to bring vegetables to ma- 

 turity. It is equally true that, while the main 

 function of nitrogen is to promote leaf growth, 

 it is of great importance, also, in the production 

 of quality of fruit. Phosphoric acid not only aids 

 stalk and framework, but it hastens maturity and 

 is essential in the perfection of the seed. Potash, 

 the vegetable staff of life, packs the kernels of 

 juicy corn as well as enriches the color of the to- 

 mato, and hardens the winter squash. Each, with 

 its special function, is also essential during the 

 entire season in supplementing some other form of 

 plant-food. Throughout the whole process of 

 development, from sprouting embryo to perfect 

 fruit and seed, there must be an actual coopera- 

 tion, a real working together on the part of these 

 artisans of the garden. 



Growth must have nitrogen. This constituent 

 is found in every part of the plant. We used 

 a fertilizer rich in nitrogen at seeding time. 

 Equally valuable is a nitrogenous fertilizer for 

 transplanting. The hen-manure and sheep-manure 

 are also rich in immediately available nitrogen. 

 Set the plants, as soon as they are removed from 

 the hotbed, with a little of this manure below the 

 roots. Take care that the fertilizer is well covered 

 with soil, lest the tender roots be burned. Then, 

 after a day or two, when the soil has settled, stir 

 into the surface about the young plants a little 



