SOIL, MANtTEES AKD WATERIITG. 367 



water, applies it to the plants with no more trouble than 

 if the water alone is used. The rate of dilution can 

 be readily varied. 



JADOO EIBKB AKD LIQUID. 



These materials have been recently introduced as a 

 potting soil and liquid manure. While rather expensive 

 for general use, good plants can be grown in the fibre, 

 and it is particularly valuable for decorative plants. It 

 retains moisture and lessens the danger of injury from 

 drying out of the plants. Professor Galloway, who has 

 tested it thoroughly, recommends the fibre for hanging 

 baskets, jardinieres, house pot-plants, palms, etc. Good 

 results can also be obtained with the liquid, diluted with 

 forty-eight parts of water. 



WATERING. 



In the past, the practice has been to apply water to 

 the surface of the soil and allow it to soak in. While this 

 method is still used for pot-plants, many persons are 

 securing good results from the sub-irrigation of plants 

 grown in beds. When plants are surface watered, unless 

 one is familiar with the work, there is danger on the one 

 hand of over-watering and, on the other, of keeping the 

 soil too dry. When plants are watered, the amount 

 applied should be sufficient to thoroughly moisten the 

 soil, and no more water should be given them until they, 

 in some way, manifest a need of it. An experienced florist 

 can tell from the appearance of the plants, even before 

 they begin to wilt, as to their need of further applica- 

 tion of water. The appearance of the pots and soil 

 should also be considered. While plants are at rest, or 

 in the case of young plants before they have established 

 themselves, especially if they are in large pots, little 

 water will be required, and, unless withheld, there will 

 be danger of injury. As a rule, the early morning is the 

 best time for watering, but during the Lot days of sum* 



