THE SCHOOL GARDEN 283 



Rockery and Birds' Trough : In some far corner of the 

 grounds, where the birds are more apt to come, build a 

 mound of dirt, set boulders and rocks in the surface, place a 

 drinking trough on it for birds, and plant with ferns, wild 

 flowers, vines, nasturtiums, etc. A more permanent struct- 

 ure may be made with rocks and cement, perhaps provided 

 with a water pipe for a fountain. Potted plants could be 

 set about it, or put into pockets left for the purpose. In 

 many places wild birds would be attracted to it, to the de- 

 light of the children. 



Greenhouse Work: A few schools may be so fortunate 

 85 to possess a real greenhouse. In that case the following 

 suggestions can be carried out more completely. But even 

 where no such conveniences exist much can be done. 

 The window garden can be utilized for such work, or 

 a small outside or inside bay-window may be constructed 

 of sash and used as a miniature greenhouse. 



Potting Soil: For most purposes the following mixture 

 will do, — loam, manure (or wood mould), sand — equal parts. 



Fertilizer: Manure, commercial fertilizer, or bone ash 

 may be stirred into the soil about the roots of plants in pots 

 and boxes. Watering once a week with Hquid manure is 

 also good for stimulating plants. 



Potting: Do not use too large a pot for flowers, and 

 allow about an inch all around the root mass of the plant. 

 Put some stones or broken pot in the bottom for drainage. 

 If in cans, punch holes in the bottom. The plant should 

 not be set deeper or higher than it grew before. Do not fill 

 the pot completely, but leave space for watering. 



Repotting: This is necessary when the roots of the 

 plant have covered the mass of soil inside the pot with a 



