ON FIELD AND FLOWER GARDEN 



sible for the root hairs to secure the necessary food 

 for the plant. 



The air in the soil must come from the surface 

 so it is obvious that it is always necessary to keep 

 the surface of the ground in such a condition that 

 it will admit air. Thorough cultivation and deep 

 plowing keep the soil in a loose condition. 



In this connection an old English adage copied 

 from The English Ploughman fits in well. 



"It is not so tiresome to plow well, sir; your 

 mind is interested." 



Knowing that the plant's roots must have plenty 

 of air, one enjoys stirring the soil deeply for he 

 knows that by this method the crop will be 

 increased. 



Cultivation must be frequent because the 

 surface of many soils has a tendency to become 

 rather hard and compact. 



We may consider that there are minute tubes 

 leading from the surface down into the soil. 

 When the tops of these tubes are closed by having 

 the soil bake it is easy to see that the supply of 

 air is cut off. Stirring the surface, then, makes 

 a connection with the outside air. 



Cultivation also goes far in keeping insects and 

 diseases under control. Many insects' eggs and 

 larvae and many disease germs are found in the 

 soil. When the field is stirred frequently, these 



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