SOIL. 15 



keeping a stock of the different kinds of earths, manures, 

 &o., •which are required, as well as a supply of pots. This 

 is designated the compost yard. The various kinds of earth 

 or soil should be neatly stacked up, in order that by age 

 they may become mellow, and better adapted for the pot- 

 ting of tender plants than when newly dug. In selecting 

 fioils it must be remembered that the top spit is always 

 preferable. 



Loam. — This is of two kinds— light and heavy. The first 

 is generally pale yellow in colour, but sometimes blockish ; 

 the latter is deep yellow, and feels somewhat greasy when 

 taken in the hand. These should be stacked ' separately, 

 with the turf and living grass downwards, placing a layer 

 of manure over every layer of loam of the heavy quaUty; 

 in this way the manure will become thoroughly incorporated 

 with it, and when cut out for use it wUl be found in a nice 

 friable state : the light loam is best stacked by itself in a 

 pure state. The quahty of loam varies considerably in dif- 

 ferent parts of the country. We ourselves use a very good 

 kind, which is obtained from Hertfordshire. 



Peat. — This is also of two kinds. That which is composed 

 principally of decayed mosses and woody materials, and is 

 mostly used for burning, is not of much value for in-door 

 plant growing, though some kinds of plants thrive well in it. 

 The peat most serviceable for our purpose is composed of 

 decayed vegetable matter, and contains a considerable amount 

 of sand; it should be stacked with the top side downwards. 



Leaf mould. — This is formed of thoroughly decomposed 

 leaves which have been collected in autumn ; these should be 

 kept moist, and are best frequently turned over to facilitate 

 decay. This kiad of soil ought not to be used before it is 

 two or three years old. 



Manure. — ^A good heap of this should always be kept in 



