292 THE FORCING GARDEN. 



stock of it should be provided wherever the culture 

 of the pine is followed. The kind to be used here 

 is that from decayed tree-leaves, and those of the 

 oak are to be preferred ; but when a sufficient quan- 

 tity of them cannot be had, a mixture with those 

 of the ash, elm, birch, sycamore, &c. or indeed any 

 that are not resinous, will answer very well. 



" In autumn, immediately as the leaves fall, let 

 them be gathered, and be thrown together into an 

 heap ; and let just as much light earth be thrown 

 over them as will prevent them from being blown 

 abroad by the wind. In this state let them lie till 

 May, and then turn them over and mix them well. 

 They will be rendered into mould fit for use by the 

 next spring ; but from bits of sticks, &c. being 

 among them, they will require to be sifted before 

 using. 



" Strong brown loam is the next article. This 

 should consist of the sward of a pasture, if possible ; 

 which should, previous to using, be well reduced, 

 by exposing it a whole year to the action of the 

 weather. 



" Pigeon-dung, also, that has lain at least two 

 whole years in an heap, has been frequently turned, 

 and well exposed to the weather, is to be used. 

 Likewise shell-marl. And, lastly, sea or river gra- 

 vel, which should be sifted and kept in a dry place ; 

 such part of it as is about the size of marrowfat peas 

 is to be used. 



" This is the proportion : For crowns and suck- 

 ers, entire vegetable mould, with a little gravel at 

 bottom, to strike in - 7 afterwards, three-fourths ve- 



