CLEANING. 125 



especially where they are in frames, and throwing 

 the dead leaves, runners, and weeds out under 

 their feet, to be trampled into the mud. Such 

 growers have fair success for a season or two, then 

 wonder why it is that diseases and insect pests 

 steadily increase until they finally get the upper 

 hand. Cleanliness at all times and a 

 thorough destruction of all diseased 

 leaves, cuttings, and plants are mat- 

 ters that should never be neglected. 

 Watering to the ordinary man may really seem 

 like a simple matter, but it is one of the most im- 

 portant factors in the growth of this or any other 

 crop. No hard and fast rules can be laid down on 

 this subject. Water when the plants need it, 

 which can only be determined by experience. 

 We never water over head, but use the end of a 

 three-quarter inch hose held in such a way that the 

 water runs out freely but not forcibly. If the 

 water comes out with too much force the soil is 

 puddled and the plants may be washed up. 

 When the plants are still young and the ground is 

 soft a good plan is to fasten to the end of the hose 

 an ordinary tin pancake turner, such as can be 

 bought anywhere for ten cents. This can be 

 fastened to the hose by a rubber band and will 

 spread the water so that it will fall in a thin sheet 

 about four inches wide. The water soaks in 

 when put on in this way and seldom causes 

 the formation of a crust the thing to be avoided. 



