PLANT FOOD AND MANURES 137 



mended. The seeds may be sown in the boxes them- 

 selves, and when they have germinated an equal number 

 of vigorous and well-placed seedlings kept in each box 

 Carefully pull up all the seedlings not wanted. If trans- 

 planted into the boxes, put in each the same number of 

 seedlings, as far as possible equal in size and vigour. 

 Care is just as necessary here as in arranging the boxes 

 at first The ideal to aim at is to have the boxes or 

 plots exactly alike in everything except the actual 

 manure added. Make and record observations during 

 the growth of the crops, noting the general vigour and 

 character of the plants in each box, their times of flower- 

 ing, and any other points. When they are mature dig 

 up and weigh the whole crops, recording the weight of 

 seed and the weight of the whole plant. Compare the 

 crops of the different boxes. 



Leguminous Plants. 



Sow in boxes or in plots, seeds of various plants of 

 the leguminous order; for instance, various kinds of 

 beans, peas, etc. (Those sown in the experiment de- 

 scribed on page 21 will probably be at hand, and if so 

 may well be examined now.) When the plants have 

 become well developed, carefully dig them up, wash their 

 roots, and examine for nodules. These appear as little 

 swellings along the roots, varying from about the size 

 of mustard seed. Also, dig up and examine for nodules 

 any leguminous plants found growing wild. Many may 

 be recognised by the great resemblance of their flowers 

 to those of the garden peas and beans, and by their 

 similarly divided leaves. Study therefore the look of 



