40 SOIL AND SOIL PREPARATION 



Pour 100 cc. of water into each chimney and note into 

 which beaker the most water flows. Which kind of soil 

 holds water best ? Which least ? Which is best for plants ? 



Conclusion. State the result of these observations. 



28. ' CHARACTER OF SOILS 



Object. To find out something of the productiveness 

 of different soils. 



Apparatus. Samples of five or six different soils selected from 

 different localities and sifted (specimens from different neigh- 

 borhoods are preferable), a flowerpot for each sample to be tested. 



Method. Fill the flowerpots, each with a different sample 

 of soil, and label them. 



Plant in each flowerpot the same number of seeds of the 

 same kind. Place the flowerpots in a location favorable for 

 growth and leave them until the plants mature. 



Compare the plants in all the flowerpots. Have all grown 

 with equal vigor? Have all produced the same amount of 

 flowers, fruit, and seeds? 



Conclusion. What may be inferred as to the productive- 

 ness of the various soils tested ? 



Query. Do slopes of " hills and mountains furnish a 

 richer or a poorer soil than valleys ? Give reasons for your 

 answer. Has color any relation to fertility ? Fineness ? 



29. CHARACTER OF SOILS 



Object. To show the benefit of drainage in soils. 

 Apparatus. Two fruit cans, soil, and seeds. 



Method. With a nail punch several holes in the bottom 

 of one can. Fill both cans with the same soil, which has 

 been broken up very fine and soft. 



