50 GAEDEIHNG FOR THE SOUTH. 



whole, quite a dangerous article to experiment with. Re- 

 duced thoroughly by composting it with stable manure, 

 using in this case no lime, and then mixed with decayed 

 leaves and plenty of sharp sand, it makes a tolerable com- 

 post for growing those plants which require peat, such as 

 Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Tan, properly composted, 

 will prove of most use in light soils deficient in vegetable 

 matter, and when less decompoed,for opening the texture 

 of close, heavy clays. 



Decayed chips, saw-dust, shavings, etc., are best applied 

 to Irish potatoes, as directed in the case of tan-bark. 

 They should be covered with soil to promote a more 

 speedy decay. They have much the nature of tan- 

 bark without its acidity, and may be likewise, when some- 

 what decayed, composted with stable manure and used as 

 peat. All these substances are valuable for burning clay 

 or for charring, and then to be incorporated with urine, 

 night soil, or superphosphate of lime. In the case of tan- 

 bark, this is undoubtedly the safest and most profitable 

 way to use it. 



Green Manures are various crops, raised to turn into 

 the ground in a fresh state for fertilizing it. For this pur- 

 pose all the weeds of the garden should be employed while 

 green, unless they are thrown to the pigs. Over any 

 vacant spots in the garden not wished to be used in au- 

 tumn, rye or barley can be sown, which will keep the soil 

 from washing, and when large enough may be either cut 

 for feed, or turned into the soil as the plots are wanted for 

 use. Spinach should be sown in considerable quantities, 

 as it grows all winter, and, spaded into the soil in spring, 

 adds a good deal to its fertility. The seed can be saved 

 in any quantity with little trouble. 



But the most fertilizing plants for this purpose are 

 leguminous plants, like the Cow-pea, as they draw nourish- 

 ment largely from the atmosphere, and afford a great 

 amount of foliage for turning under as manure. This class 



