GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY 285 



and often sadly neglected. It is a common practice to dig up a little 

 garden soil for this purpose, the result being unhealthy plants , and general 

 disappointment. 



The potting composts, which are blended in various ways according 

 to the requirements of the plants, are technically known as loam, peat, 

 leaf-mould, decayed manure, sand, and cocoanut fibre refuse. 



Of these the most important is 



Loam, as it forms the principal portion of the compost for nearly 

 all classes of plants. It is really the common earth of the fields and 

 meadows, and in some districts good loam is easy to obtain. Loam 

 should be fairly adhesive, but sufficiently friable to break up if rubbed 

 between the fingers. Some loams are of a more clayey nature than 

 others, but this may be neutralised by mixing in an increased quantity 

 of peat or leaf-mould, which are described later on. Too near an 

 approach to clay will, however, render the soil useless for potting. The 

 best loam, that generally used in high-class gardens and in nurseries, is 

 obtained by taking the top spit of a meadow and making it into a stack 

 with the grass side downwards. This must remain in bulk for at least 

 a year (and two years are better), until the grass is quite dead, and only 

 the fibres which serve to keep the soil porous remain. Some localities, 

 particularly in Surrey and Hampshire, are famous for their loam, which 

 is sent to all parts of the country for potting. 



Peat is principally obtained from commons, on which the Heath and 

 Bracken flourish, the neighbourhood of the New Forest being noted for 

 the superior quality of its peat. It is dark in colour, and principally 

 composed of decayed vegetable matter, roots of various kinds, and sand. 

 Peat is naturally of an open nature, and water passes easily through it. 

 It is mixed with loam to form a compost that is readily drained, as 

 stagnant moisture is detrimental to successful plant-culture. 



Leaf -mould is formed of decayed leaves which are collected in a 

 heap and turned over occasionally until the leaves themselves dis- 

 appear into a dark-coloured mould. Where leaves and dung are mixed 

 together to form a hot-bed, this matter, when thoroughly decayed, is 

 most useful for potting. The leaves of the Oak and Beech are among 

 the best for the production of leaf-mould, which is used for the same 

 purpose as peat. 



Manure in a fresh or crude state is too violent in its effects to go 

 with potting soil, but cow manure is, when thoroughly decayed, a valu- 

 able stimulant. It must, however, be quite dry, otherwise it is often 

 infested with worms to such an extent that successful plant-culture is 

 rendered impossible. 



Sand is of great service in increasing the porosity of soils, and is 

 useful for cuttings, small seedlings, and any subjects with tender and 

 delicate roots. Silver sand is principally used, but in many districts 

 sand of good quality is deposited by the side of small running streams. 



Cocoanut Fibre Refuse. This is a valuable but little understood 

 substance. By many it is regarded as a manure, but this is a mistake. 

 Cuttings of many subjects strike root readily in a mixture of cocoanut 



