FERTILIZERS 93 



when air slaked lime is used. Numerous Government experi- 

 ment stations have demonstrated the value of lime, and its value 

 to florists has been clearly proved. A light sprinkling on top 

 of the bench is all that is required. An easy test to determine 

 whether lime is required is to take two tablespoonfuls of soil. 

 Place them in two glasses, fill the glasses two-thirds full of 

 water, add to one of the glasses three teaspoonfuls of dilute 

 ammonia water (which may be obtained from any druggist), 

 stir each glass with a separate spoon ; if the one to which the 

 ammonia water was not added shows an almost colorless liquid, 

 while the one which did receive the ammonia shows a dark 

 brown or black liquid, it may be concluded that lime would 

 be of benefit, for the soil is more or less sour. 



Perhaps a more common test is to place a few tablespoonfuls 

 of soil in a glass and moisten with water to form a thick paste. 

 A strip of blue litmus paper is then introduced ; avoid touching 

 with the fingers the end that is placed in the soil. The soil is 

 parted with a knife and then pressed firmly about the paper. 

 Having allowed it to stand at least half an hour, carefully re- 

 move the soil from around the paper. Then remove the paper 

 and carefully rinse by dipping in water to a point just below 

 where the soil reached. Do not dip or wet the paper above 

 this point or the blue may be washed down to the lower part. 

 If the blue has disappeared from the part where the soil was 

 in contact and a red color has taken its place the soil will be 

 benefited by lime for Rose growing. 



OTHER FERTILIZING MATERIAL 



Sheep manure is often used where cow manure cannot easily 

 be obtained. It may be bought in bags, pulverized, and, ap- 

 plied fairly thick, is valuable. It is much more bulky than the 

 articles previously mentioned and can be spread on four times 

 as thick as bonemeal and similar articles. 



Nitrate of soda will promote a rapid and soft growth. It 

 should be used with care until you are thoroughly acquainted 



