VEGETABLE PLANTS. 21 



with the soil a large portion of the underlying 

 manure. This mixture was left in a conical 

 pile which was covered up with fresh stable 

 manure in the fall, which kept the frost out, 

 and allowed it to decompose and decay suffi- 

 ciently to become fine, loose mould by spring. 

 It can be manufactured in a similar manner 

 for use in the fire-beds. Sandy soil and 

 manure are placed in alternate layers, and built 

 up into a conical pile which is left for one 

 year. Then, when cut down and mixed over 

 thoroughly, it is in an admirable condition for 

 use. If it is thought necessary to use a fertil- 

 izer in the beds, we have generally found it the 

 safest and best course to apply it in a liquid 

 form by mixing a little hen manure, or guano 

 in the water with which they are sprinkled. 

 If the soil has plenty of well-rotted manure in 

 its composition, there is usually but little use 

 of further enriching it. 



CONSIDERABLE CAUTION is necessary about 

 applying strong fertilizers, or special man- 

 ures, such as phosphates, guano, etc., to the 

 surface of the beds. The area is so small, and 

 the desire to have the work well done so 

 strong, that it is frequently overdone to such 

 an extent that the germs are killed outright 



