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CULTIVATIOX A.XD ANALYSIS OF PLANTS. 



tion ; and the amateur culturist must therefore not be discouraged. Few studies will 

 better repay one than floriculture, in the charms of the gentle, peaceful influence 

 which it throws around the human soul. In the language of the poet Wordsworth, 



He is happiest who hath power 

 To gather wisdom from a flower, 

 And wake his heart in every hour 

 To pleasant gratitude. 



Leaving poetrv and the fascinations of flowers, we now propose to descend to the 

 more material and coarser elements tiiat underlie the growth of plants; and "to begin 

 with the beginning," or where the flowers begin, it becomes our duty to unfold what 

 is required, in the way of soil, water, etc., for the practical culture of flowers. 





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SOILS. 



IRST comes Loam, which plays so important a part in all vegeta- 

 tion, and which is described as a mixture of sand, clay and carbonate 

 of lime, with the oxide of iron, magnesia and various salts, also decayed 

 vegetable and animal matter. It varies in different localities in regard 

 to depth as well as quality. In soine places it is brown, and in others 

 iT nearly or quite black, particularly in the West, where in the bottom lands 

 of the Missouri it is sometimes found more than thirty feet deep, as 

 wells of that depth have failed to reach its bottoin. If it is stiff and heavy, 

 the clay predominates; in which case for flower-beds, and indeed for farming pin- 

 poses also, it would be improved if a moderate proportion of sand or stable- 

 manure were well worked through it to make it more porous and, as gardeners 

 say, warmer; for, if the soil is too cold and retentive of water, plants do not thrive. 



Sand is a very useful material in plant-growing, especially in greenhouse and window 

 culture; and, while it contains no nutriment, it is sometimes used to grow some kinds of 

 bulbs, to start slips, and, as has been said, to make soil more porous. Its uses are to make 

 lighter the soil with which it is mixed, so that the delicate roots can feel their way through 

 it; to draw the heat from the atmosphere; and to act as drainage, so that the soil will not 

 sour. .Silver sand is the most recommended, as it is a little coarser and sharper, as well 

 as cleaner; but as this is only found in certain localities, other or common sand can be 

 used as a substitute. It should be rather coarse, and from the surface when possible, if 

 for imtnediate use, as it will then have been improved by the action of the air. It is also 

 benefited by washing, which can be done by putting a quantity in a tub, pouring water 

 upon it, stirring with a stick, and then pouring off the water. The admixture with loam is 

 sometimes one part sand to three or five of the other, according to the plants grown. 



Leaf-Mold is one of the most delightful soils for many plants, and it is very highly 

 prized hy all who occupy tliemselves with their cultivation. Leaves are frequently gath- 



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