12 THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 



side downward, and intermingling layers of good, 

 fresh cow manure in the proportion of four loads of 

 sod to one of manure. This will break down in spring 

 into a nice, free working compost, and will be im- 

 proved by the addition of some wood ashes or burnt 

 refuse from the garden crematory, also the addition of 

 a little bone meal will complete a compost that is all- 

 sufficient for the plant's needs through the first stage 

 of its career. 



If preparation of the compost be left entirely till 

 spring the addition of fresh cow or horse manure 

 should be avoided; that which has been lying in a 

 heap for some time, and is decayed, should be chosen 

 instead, as the fresh product is altogether too stim- 

 ulating, and inimical to strong, healthy growth. If 

 the loam is of a close or adhesive character sufficient 

 sand should be added to make it work freely and to 

 keep it open by thoroughly mixing with it this and 

 any other suitable ingredients, so as to ensure perfect 

 incorporation by turning the heap at least twice. 

 From the foregoing it will be seen that a good loam is 

 the foundation and chief bulk of a proper Chrysan- 

 themum compost and the added material is solely for 

 ameliorating the condition of the soil^ or to further 

 enrich it. The amount of added materials must in all 

 cases be chiefly determined by the quality and texture 

 of the soil at command. 



To achieve success, a grower must know his soil 

 and treat it accordingly, and his success is just in 

 proportion to the extent of his understanding it and 

 interpreting its needs. It is not as some, even at 

 this date, suppose, due to the possession of a secret 

 formula, a fanciful mixture of a variety of ingredi- 

 ents. There is nothing of mystery nor of uncertainty 

 in preparing a proper compost. All it requires is the 

 recognition of the fundamental fact that the Chrysan- 



