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CULTIVATION AND ANALYSIS OF PLANTS. 
tion; and the amateur culturist must therefore not be discouraged. Few studies will 
better repay one than floriculture, in the charms of the gentle, peaceful influence 
which it throws around the human soul. In the language of the poet Wordsworth, 
He is happiest who hath power 
To gather wisdom from a flower, 
And wake his heart in every hour 
To pleasant gratitude. 
Leaving poetry and the fascinations of flowers, we now propose to descend to the 
more material and coarser elements that underlie the growth of plants; and “to begin 
with the beginning,” or where the flowers begin, it becomes our duty to unfold what 
is required, in the way of soil, water, etc., for the practical culture of flowers. 
SOILS, 
IRST comes Loam, which plays so important a part in all vegeta- 
~ tion, and which is described as a mixture of sand, clay and carbonate 
’ of lime, with the oxide of iron, magnesia.and various salts, also decayed 
vegetable and animal matter. It varies in different localities in regard 
to depth as well as quality. In some places it is brown, and in others 
nearly or quite black, particularly in the West, where in the bottom lands 
of the Missouri it is sometimes found more than thirty feet deep, as 
wells of that depth have failed to reach its bottom. If it is stiff and heavy, 
the clay predominates; in which case for flower-beds, and indeed for farming pur- 
poses also, it would be improved if a moderate proportion of sand or stable- 
manure were well worked through it to make it more porous and, as gardeners 
say, warmer; for, if the soil is too cold and retentive of water, plants do not thrive. 
Sand is a very useful material in plant-growing, especially in greenhouse and window 
culture; and, while it contains no nutriment, it is sometimes used to grow some kinds of 
bulbs, to start slips, and, as has been said, to make soil more porous. Its uses are to make 
lighter the soil with which it is mixed, so that the delicate roots can feel their way through 
it; to draw the heat from the atmosphere; and to act as drainage, so that the soil will not 
sour. Silver sand is the most recommended, as it is a little coarser and sharper, as well 
as cleaner; but as this is only found in certain localities, other or common sand can be 
used as a substitute. It should be rather coarse, and from the surface when possible, if 
for immediate use, as it will then have been improved by the action of the air. It is also 
benefited by washing, which can be done by putting a quantity in a tub, pouring water 
upon it, stirring with a stick, and then pouring off the water. The admixture with loam is 
sometimes one part sand to three or five of the other, according to the plants grown. 
Leaf-Mold is one of the most delightful soils for many plants, and it is very highly’ 
prized by all who occupy themselves with their cultivation, Leaves are frequently gath- 
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