LUTHER BURBANK 



PKEPABING THE SOIL 



It is Mr. Burbank's unvarying custom to plant 

 all important seeds in boxes that at first are kept 

 in the greenhouse, so that the seedlings may get 

 an early start, and for a time be protected from 

 the elements. 



For many years he has used boxes of a uniform 

 size and type, and such boxes he considers far 

 better than pots or earthen pans. The boxes he 

 uses are eighteen inches square, outside measure, 

 and four and one-half inches deep, inside measure. 

 He prefers redwood lumber, but where this cannot 

 be obtained cypress will answer nearly as well. 

 Chestnut wood is also very durable, and locust 

 is even more so. Soft pine should be avoided. 



Two opposite sides of the box are boards three- 

 quarters or seven-eighths of an inch thick, the 

 other sides are a little less than half an inch thick. 

 The bottom of the box is made of lumber about 

 one-quarter of an inch thick, two or more spaces 

 of an eighth of an inch being left for drainage. 

 Across the bottoms are nailed three strips to add 

 rigidity and strength, and to afford better ventila- 

 tion and drainage. 



It is well to dip the joints in linseed oil before 

 they are nailed together. This gives durability 

 and tends to prevent the nails from rusting. 



Such a box as this, if sterilized once a year by 

 being placed for three or four minutes in boiling 

 water, may be used for many years. 



In preparing the soil to fill the boxes, Mr. Bur- 

 [48] 



