THE EARTH'S BOUNTY 



plants are set out, and must never cease until 

 the foliage covers the surface. A small hand- 

 rake will keep the soil light and kill embryo 

 weeds, if it is used diligently. A weed, a dead 

 or faded leaf, should be considered a disgrace. 



Runners and stray flowers will commence to 

 appear on some of the plants in August, and 

 must be removed as soon as noticed, for they 

 steal strength from the main plant, which 

 needs all the reserve vitality it can gather for 

 the blossoming season. 



About the first of September horse manure, 

 which has been collected early in the season 

 and repeatedly worked over with a fork until 

 thoroughly pulverized, is spread over the beds 

 just a thin layer and worked well into the 

 soil. This is usually the last cultivation that is 

 possible, as the foliage develops so rapidly 

 after the dressing that the soil is soon com- 

 pletely covered. 



The flowers should start in November, and 

 keep abundant until April. The first warm 

 days great care must be observed to keep the 



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