i86 THE SPIRIT OF THE SOIL 



striking feature was the improved colour and sub- 

 stance of the petals, while the flowers of treated 

 plants retained their freshness and beauty a fortnight 

 longer. 



CLOVER. Clover is stimulated in a very marked 

 manner, the plant spreading and increasing in size 

 rapidly. It very soon acquires sufficient strength 

 to displace its neighbours. 



COLEUS in variety. A striking feature apart from 

 the increased growth was the extraordinary intensity 

 of the colours in the foliage. It has always been held 

 generally that while an abundance of stimulating 

 food produces growth, it sacrifices variegation and 

 colour. With bacterized peat both increase in size, 

 and very vivid colouring were obtained. Similar 

 results were obtained with abutylon. (Photo, p. 143.) 



CORDYLINE DRACENA. The effect of humogen on 

 small plants of this species was to produce a plant 

 fit for the market in two months, whereas under 

 ordinary treatment six months would be the usual 

 time necessary. In the experiments made the root 

 action was particularly vigorous. 



COTTON. The plants grew taller, and they were 

 very markedly thicker and stronger stemmed. The 

 leaves were larger, and the plants generally had 

 every appearance of being stronger and healthier. 

 The root formation in the pots was very notice- 

 able. 



CRASSULA COCCINEA. As with other potted 

 plants, the points particularly noticeable were the 

 perfectly balanced growth, the profusion of bloom, 

 and the increased root action. Foliage responded 



