SOIL. 23 



than other manures — cow or farmyard — and should be used in proportion of 

 one to nine. These manures should not be added to the soil until it is to be 

 used for potting or planting. This soil is suitable for all aquatics grown in 

 pots, tubs, or boxes, or planted out in artificial ponds. 



The quantity of soil necessary for a plant depends very much on the 

 species and the surface water space allowed for the plant. If the pond be of 

 only moderate size, and it is desirable to grow as many kinds as possible, use 

 tubs, or half barrels or boxes, containing five or six cubic feet of soil for such 

 as Nymphasa zanzibarensis, N. devoniensis, N. dentata, or other strong grow- 

 ing species; for moderate growers, such as N. pygmaea and its hybrids, half 

 the quantity allowed for the stronger one will suffice. 



When Nelumbiums are grown in boxes or tubs, allow double the quantity 

 of soil as for the former, since these plants are voracious feeders, and often 

 when their culture has proved a failure and a disappointment it was really a 

 case of starvation. Feed these plants liberally and they will respond by a 

 generous display of their queenly flowers. 



Where a large fountain basin, tank, or pond afl^ords ample space for free 

 development, and where flowers of the first size and quality are desired, use 

 shallow boxes, ten to twelve inches deep, and three to four feet square, 

 placed on the bottom. It will be necessary to place these in position before 

 being filled with soil, and the water must necessarily be drawn off". 



