THE 40 



GARDEN YARD 



that surface loosening which enables the soil 

 to drink in the rain and withstand the heat of 

 the sun. The loosened surface will not cake 

 about the plants, and it makes a layer of mulch 

 for the protection of the under soil. 



By the addition of humus, or vegetable 

 matter, a clayey soil may be put in condition 

 so that it will respond to further tillage as 

 satisfactorily as the lighter, sandy loam. This 

 is the way to " counterfeit the best soU." 



Humus is added by plowing into the land 

 vegetable matter which is in condition to rot 

 quickly and become thoroughly mixed with the 

 soil. Rye, clover, cornstalks, vines or other 

 garden waste, and manure, are commonly 

 used. Manure that contains a large proportion 

 of stable litter and sweepings, and street sweep- 

 ings, are especially rich in humus, and are much 

 sought after by experienced gardeners. By 

 adding them, the texture of the soil is lightened 

 and improved, made loose and meUow so as to 

 hold moisture, and is at the same time pre- 

 vented from caking. Moreover, hiunus contains 

 plant food and heat that make seed sprouting 

 easy. 



The amateur gardener seldom recognizes the 

 importance of the physical texture of the soil, 

 but the best results demand the best conditions. 



