36 INTRODUCTION. 



Marl — Is a species of clay or loam mixed 

 with lime, and often \ery suitable for forming 

 heavy composts. 



Bog, moss, or ijcat earth — Is not a diluvial 

 deposit, but an accumulation of decayed vege- 

 table matter, in hollows of stagnant water. 

 This should be very cautiously employed by the 

 florist, and never but as a medium for other 

 qualities, after its own hurtful principles have 

 been dissipated. 



Moor earth — Is that thin turf of fine sand 

 and decayed vegetable matter found on com- 

 mons or waste land where heath usually and 

 naturally grows. This is the favourite soil of a 

 very numerous and beautiful division of plants, 

 and is an indispensable auxihary of the florist. 

 Where it cannot be conveniently obtained, it 

 may be w^ell imitated by mixing equal parts of 

 fine white sand and leaf mould. 



Leaf mould. — This is composed entirely of 

 rotten leaves, decayed wood, twigs, bark, and 

 other wreck of vegetation. It may be found in 

 old saw-pits, in woods, or procured by collecting 



