SOIL MANAGEMENT. 



15 



the end of the first section, placing the soil in a 

 heap as before. This exposes the subsoil or second 

 spade depth in the bottom of the first trench, and 

 this subsoil should next be dug over or broken up 

 thoroughly 1 foot deep, using a pick if need be. The 

 top spade depth of soil from the second trench should 

 then be turned over to fill up the first. Continue 

 this process along to the end of the first half, and fill 

 up the last trench there with the soil from the first 

 trench of the second section ; work back on this, and 

 use the soil first taken out to level up the last trench. 



FIG. 2. Double Digging. 



1. Top spade depth of 1st trench removed. 



2. 2nd ,, ,, dug over in position. 



3. Top ,, of 2nd trench turned over on 2, 



to fill up the 1st trench. 



This is the best system of deep-soil cultivation for 

 vegetable ground generally, and when the work is 

 completed the whole area has been stirred 2 feet 

 deep. The soil and subsoil still occupy their former 

 relative positions, the richer, more fertile surface soil 

 with all that it contains is still retained on the top. 

 (See Fig. 2.) When the surface soil is shallow, strawy 

 manure, leaves, and vegetable refuse may with 

 advantage be spread in each trench above the sub- 

 soil before filling in from the next trench with a view 

 to deepening the fertile layer. 



The good effects of double digging last for several 

 years; but it is advisable, in order to get the best 



