GARDENING. 215 



health, by not possessing .a liberal supply of vegetables 

 from their own g-ardens. 



We do not invite the husbandmnn from the utility of 

 his farm to the pleasures of a gardin ; we do not wish 

 him to sacrifice his grain fiel.ls 'o the culture of a tulip 

 bed; but we wish to call his aUeviiion to the utility, con- 

 venience, and economy that can be found in the cultiva- 

 tion of a substantial kitchen garden, from which his 

 healthful family can draw many of those really innocent 

 luxuries, which a bountiful Providence has spread 

 around him. 



Many persons, sensible of the utility, are often dissuad- 

 ed from constant attempts in cultivating a kitchen garden, 

 because they have experienced some failures in partic- 

 ular plants. But there will never be a failure of vege- 

 tables enough for a family's use, if the following requi- 

 sites be well regarded : Richness of soil ; due care in 

 the selection of seeds ; proper cultivation^ and a sujficient 

 variety of vegetables^ that if one kind fails^ another may be 

 a substitute. 



Soil and Situation. It is found that a sandy loam 

 which is several feet deep is best for a garden ; but 

 any loose mellow soil is suitable. It is fortunate, how- 

 ever, when a garden contains a variety of soils ; as 

 some vegetables require a strong and heavy soil, and do 

 not thrive in a light one. But, we must take what we 

 find, or rather what we happen to have. If we have a 

 choice, we ought to take that which comes nearest to 

 perfection, and, if we possibly can, we ought to reject 

 clay and gravely not only as a top-soil, but as a bottom 

 soil. 



A garden, if possible, should have a southerly ex- 

 posure. It should be near the house, not only for the 

 purpose of having it under the eye of the owner, but 

 to save time in its cultivation and the daily gathering of 

 its products. If it be practicable, to make a garden 

 near to running water, and especially to water that may 

 be turned into the garden, the advantage ought to be 

 profited of From a kitchen-gj^rden all large trees ought 

 to be kept at a distance of 30 or 40 yards. 



Size. The size of the garden should be proportioned 

 to the wants of the family. It ought to be sufficiently 



