GENERAL CULTURE 65 



water, and it is almost impossible, as the season advances, to 

 overdo this if only reasonable care is used. 



We commence using manure water on the young stock in 

 the early Fall, giving it lightly and using it weak at first, in- 

 creasing the strength and quantity used as the conditions war- 

 rant. Little but the regular weekly application of manure water 

 is used through the Winter, although this has to be governed by 

 conditions. When planting we use nothing but cow manure 

 in the loam. About September or October, we apply a light 

 dusting of bonemeal, using about 100 Ibs. for every 2000 square 

 feet of bench surface. This may be worked into the soil by 

 rubbing over lightly with the fingers, and then covering with an 

 inch or more of equal parts of good cow manure and loam, 

 and well watering. Be careful after this that the beds do not 

 get too wet with the subsequent waterings. This mulching 

 will carry the plants through the dark days. If too much is 

 applied, making a heavy blanket on the beds, harm is often done 

 as the beds cannot dry out and the loam gets cold and sour. 



Toward Spring, when the sun gets powerful, it is often 

 beneficial to apply a good coating of green cow manure, cover- 

 ing this with a sprinkling of loam to keep the nitrogen from 

 escaping. A little air should be left on the house day and night 

 for two or three nights when applying this, or the foliage may 

 be burned. It is best to apply this manure when the beds are 

 in a condition to take water; then give a good soaking as soon 

 as the manure is on, and cover with loam before night. In this 

 way nothing is lost and the loam covering is not washed down 

 immediately. If the beds do not require water at this time, 

 cover with loam as soon as the manure is applied and let stand 

 for several days before watering; by so doing the beds will ab- 

 sorb some of the nitrogen from the manure, but not so much 

 as when watered in at once. This is considered the best way 

 by some growers. 



