646 GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



USEFUL TABLES AND FORMULAE. 



The following pages contain a few tables and formulae which the 

 practical gardener will find useful in the prosecution of his profession. 

 This information has been culled from standard authorities, and can, 

 therefore, be relied upon for accuracy. 



Whitewash: 



The following receipt for making whitewash is used by the United 

 States Government for whitewashing the light-houses, and is almost 

 as serviceable as paint. It gives a brilliant surface: 



Slake with boiling water a half bushel of lime, cover during the 

 operation to keep in the steam; after straining add a peck of salt, 

 which has been dissolved in warm water; then add a thin paste made 

 from three pounds of ground rice stirred in while hot; then add a half 

 pound of Spanish whiting and one pound of glue previously dissolved 

 in water. Add five gallons of hot water to the mixture, stir well, and 

 allow to stand for a few days well covered. This whitewash must be 

 applied hot. 



Absorptive Power of Soils (Henderson): 



100 pounds of pure clay absorbs 70 pounds of water. 



100 pounds of sand absorbs 25 pounds of water. 



100 pounds of clay loam absorbs 50 pounds of water. 



100 pounds of chalk absorbs 45 pounds of water. 



100 pounds of loamy sand absorbs 40 pounds of water. 



100 pounds of calcareous sand absorbs 25 pounds of water. 



Schubler's Experiment Shows that — 



1,000 tons of pulverized soil will absorb moisture when exposed to the 

 atmosphere, as follows: 



Sandy clay 26 tons. 



Loamy clay : 30 tons. 



Stiff clay 36 tons. 



Garden mould 45 tons. 



