FEEDING 43 



have more or less exhausted the limited larder in 

 which it was best to start them. By observing them 

 closely at this period, it will be noticed while color is 

 uniform and denotes a healthy condition, there is a 

 slight diminution of vigor manifested in smaller leaves, 

 or the stem is not acquiring the desired body or thick- 

 ness. Here is evidence of something needed, which 

 pure water %nd a good growing atmosphere combined 

 do not entirely supply. 



From this stage onward nourishing foods must be 

 furnished in quantities and of materials most suitable. 

 The start should be made gradually, as a surfeit of 

 riches immediately applied will bring about disaster. 

 A surface mulching of the benches with about one inch 

 of some not too fresh natural manure is the best way to 

 begin feeding. Preference should be given to cow 

 manure/ if obtainable, but not that fresh from the 

 cow barn. It is better to take some that has lain in 

 a heap for a few weeks and is well decomposed, or if 

 a cow pasture be near at hand to go into the field and 

 gather up the remains that have become more or less 

 sun-dried and will make an excellent top dressing 

 material. Failing this, half-rotted horse manure, such 

 as comes from an old hotbed or a mushroom bed, 

 may be used, or sheep manure, which can always be 

 purchased from dealers; but if sheep manure be used, 

 let it be in less quantity, as, though dry, it is rich in 

 concentrated food and it is easy to err by applying it 

 in excess. The soil should be barely covered in this 

 case. Such a top dressing or mulching will soon show 

 results in renewal of vigor. Each watering will carry 

 down to the roots some portion of the fertilizing 

 elements, and, in addition, the roots will soon be 

 observed to come to the surface, and, ultimately per- 

 meating the mulch, to absorb its riches. 



