The Soil and its Treatment. 21 



There are certain crops which need, for best results (and less 

 than the best should not satisfy), considerably more moisture 

 than the soil alone can supply in an ordinary season. In such 

 cases a mulch of straw manure is decidedly the best. When 

 the plants have begun to grow freely the soil should be hoed 

 clear of weeds and should then receive a thorough soaking of 

 water. As soon as the surface has dried stir the soil again, 

 then lay the manure well over the roots on each side of the 

 row to the depth of three or four inches. This mulch not only 

 prevents evaporation but also yields additional plant food and 

 is useful in keeping the surface cool in hot weather. Although 

 the plants will receive great benefit from a mulch of manure 

 alone, even if no more water is given, occasional soakings will 

 yield much better results. 



