GENERAL PREPARATION OF THE SOIL. 173 



method here recommended, secures the early and complete oxida- 

 tion of the previously imperfectly decomposed organic substances 

 that caused the acidity. 



When the soil is naturally of a free texture, and roots, especial- 

 ly those of grasses, are not numerous and troublesome, for the 

 bullock-hoe we may substitute a strong wooden harrow (Figs. 20 

 and 21.) 



The entire area of the nursery ought to be cultivated, that is to 

 say, not only the portions that are to comprise the future seed-beds 

 and lines, but also those which will constitute the roads and paths ; 

 for, as said before, every trace of vivacious roots and underground 

 stems must be completely removed. 



If the soil is poor in bases, as when it is a stiff clay or a nearly 

 pure silicious sand, it is advisable to strew quicklime or, which is 

 generally more economical, finely ground kankar over the surface 

 just before the last two hoeings. The quantity of lime or lime- 

 stone to use will depend on the nature of the soil in each particu-: 

 lar case. Beyond the liming no manures should be applied until 

 after the nursery beds and lines have been laid out. 



It is much to be recommended to grow a previous crop or two 

 of potatoes, Indian corn, rice, Sorghum, sugarcane, sesamum or 

 cotton, whichever is the most suitable, before laying out the area as 

 a nursery. The cultivation of such crops, all of which require 

 very thorough weeding, effectually clears the soil of every trace of 

 the previous vegetation that covered it, corrects all its harsh quali- 

 ties, loosens it thoroughly, renders its texture perfectly soft and 

 even, and completes the levelling of the ground. Potatoes, sugar- 

 cane, and cotton are the best crops for our purpose, as cereals and 

 oil seeds attract rats and mice. While improving the soil and site, 

 these crops will also yield a large money return, covering, in many 

 cases, the entire outlay on the preparation of the soil. 



Subsequent Cultivations. 



If the nursery has been completely utilised and carefully main- 

 tained, the wholesale style of preparation described in the preced- 

 ing paragraphs will never again be required. 



But it may frequently happen that a considerable portion of the 

 area has not been used for a season or two and has in the mean- 

 time become overgrown with weeds. In that case, if the growth 

 ol weeds is not very strong, two ploughings, followed by two 

 hoeings or harrowing?, will suffice to restore the soil to its original 



