THE EARTH'S BOUNTY 



ting moss to prevent the contents running 

 through the open spaces, which cannot be 

 omitted, as they are needed to supply drainage 

 and air. 



Sand is the correct filling for the trays, and 

 nothing else is quite as good; but, unless the 

 sand can be got from a clean sand-bank, it is 

 safer to use earth from the compost heap, 

 mixed with one-third more light soil; for sand 

 that has been exposed to all sorts of contami- 

 nating influences will contain objectionable 

 qualities. 



Prepare quantities of the trays according to 

 the amount of plants desired, remembering 

 that all cuttings will not make strong plants, 

 and allowing goodly surplus to avoid shortage 

 at bedding time. Each tray will hold about 

 one hundred and eighty shoots, and each old 

 plant will average ten; so approximating the 

 supply and necessary tray space is not difficult. 



In February the beds will be covered with 

 foliage. Divide the leaves carefully, and 

 several offshoots will be found nestling under 



42 



