CULTIVATION. 



101 



The arrangement of the plants in polygonal order, as was 

 formerly done in some places and is probably still practised, 

 is inadvisable. The direction of the longitudinal rows is 

 generally indicated by the natural situation of the garden. 

 If, however, free choice is possible the rows should run from 

 south-east to north-west on light dry soils, and from north 



a, 



J 



Pig. 20. — Planting in squares. 



to south on compact moist ground. By this means, in light 

 soil, the direct impact of the sun's rays (insolation) between 

 the rows is prevented, the loss of water by evaporation being 

 thereby reduced, and the ground retains its store of moisture; 

 whilst on the other hand, in the case of heavy soils, the 

 north and south direction of the rows does not oppose any 



