48 THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 



of liquid fertilizers by the use of a simple little 

 mechanism known as the "Kinney pump," and which, 

 at the same time, insures uniform dilution and perfect 

 mixing. It is a brass hose connection, one end being 

 attached to the water tap, while at a right angle 

 thereto is attached a small piece of hose that is put 

 into the barrel of manure water. At the other end is 

 connected the hose used in watering the plants. The 

 water in passing through takes up a portion of the 

 liquid fertilizer, the amount of which can be reg- 

 ulated. It works admirably and is a great labor- 

 saving device. In some places it is possible to obtain 

 the drainings from the farm barns or horse stables, 

 and this can be utilized in the same way as the 

 specially prepared liquid, only taking due care to 

 sufficiently dilute it. 



Manure from the hen roost or the pigeon loft is 

 often procurable and has strong fertilizing elements, 

 but the inexperienced should leave it alone or they 

 may work untold injury in attempting its use. If 

 used, a safe way would be as a top dressing, mixing 

 it with at least six times its bulk of soil before apply- 

 ing it to the plants. It can be used in solution, but the 

 liquid should be made very weak. 



CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS 



These are used to alternate or vary the feeding, 

 and, properly applied, are often of substantial benefit. 

 They should be regarded, however, as a supplemental 

 aid rather than as complete fertilizers, but they are 

 very efficient along certain lines when used with a 

 proper understanding of the purpose for use and the 

 effect upon the plants. The nature of the soil, too, in 

 which the plants are growing, is an important factor 

 in determining what can be used to best advantage 



