SOIL AND SOIL PREPARATION 41 



Plant the same number of beans, peas, or corn seeds in 

 each can and set them side by side in a favorable location 

 for growth. Water both cans daily with sufficient water 

 to keep the closed can saturated and the open one only 

 moist. Do not water too much, but be sure that each can 

 gets the same amount every day. At the end of two or 

 three weeks note the soil in each can. What is the result 

 in growth of each plant? Why? 



Conclusion. What does this teach us as to drainage in 

 soil? 



30. CHARACTER OF SOILS 



Object. TO show the relation of drainage to tempera- 

 ture of the soil. 



Apparatus. Fruit cans, soil, seeds, and a chemical thermometer. 



Method. Punch holes in the bottom of one can. Fill 

 both cans with the same kind of soil. Plant seeds in them 

 and water thoroughly so that the water comes to the top 

 of the earth in the unpunctured can. 



Set both cans side by side in a sunny window. 



From time to time thrust the thermometer bulb into the 

 soil about an inch below the surface and record the readings 

 of each can. If a piece of white paper is wrapped about 

 each can and fastened with a rubber band, the readings can 

 be recorded when made. 



After a day or two compare the readings. Which shows 

 the higher temperature at the start? Which one later in 

 the day ? What happens in the drained can ? What is the 

 effect of drainage on the temperature of soil ? How do you 

 explain this? 



Conclusion. How does drainage affect the temperature 

 of the soil ? 



