108 TEE BEGINNER'S GARDEN BOOK 



never sawdust, which will turn sour. The two manures 

 should be well rotted and thoroughly mixed. 



One thing ought to be remembered in making good manure. 

 If possible, it should be screened where it is stored, to prevent 

 the breeding of flies, which breed more in manure than any- 

 where else, and which carry disease. 



When by one of these means, or all of them, one has got a 

 soil rich in humus, one may know it by its look. Such soil 

 is dark brown, rather full of little separate fibers, crumbly, 

 and even rich to the touch. It has not the smoothness of the 

 clayey soil, nor the grit of the sandy one. It can be pressed 

 into a ball when moist, but readily separates again. The 

 gardener ought to know the look and feel of good garden soil, 

 and work to get it. 



Review Questions 



1. Explain the value of humus. 



2. What is green manuring ? What plants are best for it, and 

 why? 



3. What is compost ? Explain its value and use. 



4. What is manure? In what condition is it best for the gar- 

 dener's use? How may such manure be supplied? Why is it 

 made so carefully ? 



