362 GKEENHOUSE MANAGEMENT. 



tings. Soil containing organic matter is also to be 

 avoided, as its fermentation will lead to the development 

 of bacteria and fungi, which are likely to cause the 

 decay of the cuttings. It is probable, too, that the 

 presence of organic matter in the soil hinders the proper 

 aeration of the cutting bed. 



FERTILIZERS. 



Although stable manure should be the principal 

 reliance for plant food, some of the chemical manures 

 can be used to advantage. Aside from their value in 

 supplying plant food, they will, if judiciously applied, 

 promote a firm, healthy growth of the plants, and im- 

 prove the texture and keeping qualities of the flowers. 

 Great care should be taken in the use of chemical fer« 

 tilizers, as many of them are of a strong alkaline, while 

 others are of an acid, nature, and if used to excess, they 

 will have an injurious rather than a beneficial effect. 



With the exception of ground bone, it is not safe to 

 use any of them in seed pans, or in soil for cuttings or 

 young seedlings. A large amount of water is given off 

 from the surface of the soil by evaporation. The alka- 

 lies held in solution are deposited on the surface of the 

 soil, and may be strong enough to destroy the tender 

 plants. Even when used in small quantities in solution 

 in water, if applied frequently, they may accumulate 

 and become strong enough to injure the plants. 



Ground bone is one of the most valuable mineral 

 fertilizers, as it promotes a strong, yet firm and healthy, 

 growth and can be used in almost an unlimited quantity, 

 without danger of injuring the planti. Pure bone, only, 

 should be used, and to produce the best effects it should 

 be finely ground. Whatever the plants to be grown, 

 bone meal can be added to the soil to advantage, taking 

 the place of a part of the manure, and it will be found 

 equally valuable whether they are in seed boxes, cut- 



