226 MARY'S GARDEN AND HOW IT GREW 



have not yet their fill of water. They are thirsty, 

 those pots. Get some sand in the flat yonder, and we 

 mix the soil while we wait ; one third sand and two 

 thirds potting-soil," he directed. 



"Why do we have more sand for bulbs than for 

 other things ? " asked Mary. 



"They like it so," answered Mr. Trommel ; "be- 

 sides, the roots are fine and little. When you are 

 potting, Liebchen, and you do not know the food a 

 plant likes, you give more sand. If the roots are 

 strong and heavy, like geranium roots, you give less 

 sand. They can take big mouthfuls and have the 

 strong digestion. But even for these the potting-soil 

 should be rich, yet loose it should be right." 



"But how do you know?" asked Mary, in per- 

 plexity. 



Mr. Trommel passed his hand through the rich, 

 dark soil, squeezed a handful, then opened his 

 fingers. "See, it is damp, yet it drops apart, or is 

 about to crumble yes. Now, if it did not, if it held 

 together, as when you make a snowball or the mud- 

 pies, it would be too stiff. Few plants would like it 

 so, but for the bulbs I put yet more sand ; two of sand 

 to one of potting-soil is not too much." 



"Now they have had enough drink," said Mary, 



