66 FRUIT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



rubbish, such as is got from old buildings, one part 

 charcoal, 2 cwt. of half-inch bones, 1 cwt. of horn-shav- 

 ings, and rather more than half a cart-load of horse-drop- 

 pings. When lime-rubbish can be more easily had than 

 charcoal, and vice versd, the one can be substituted for 

 the other. When horn-shavings cannot be had, the same 

 weight of bones may be substituted. When a heavier 

 soil than is desirable has to be taken, then add more 

 lime-rubbish and charcoal ; and when the soil is lighter, 

 use less of these substances, and a whole cart-load of horse 

 manure. In the absence of either lime-rubbish or char- 

 coal, old brickbats pounded down to the size of road- 

 metal can be substituted as the next best. I have used 

 burned clay with good effect when other open mate- 

 rial could not conveniently be secured. These porous 

 materials, especially charcoal, have the power of absorb- 

 ing carbonic acid gas and ammonia from the air, besides 

 being conservative of moisture in time of drought, and 

 absorb manurial applications, to be gradually given off to 

 the roots of plants. 



When the nature of the soil is essentially clayey, 

 although the most turfy portion be taken, it never fails 

 in after-years to revert to a clayey adhesive body ; and 

 a larger proportion of the open materials named should 

 be used. The border need not be so deep, and less 

 manure will be sufficient. I would strongly urge that 

 no more manure be used than the comparatively small 

 proportion named. It will only lead to a gross unfruitful 

 growth that cannot be easily ripened. A border composed 

 as has been directed, forms a body of soil of the best 

 possible description for conveying to the roots in after- 

 years nourishment from rich top-dressings and waterings 

 without becoming soured and unhealthy. When these 



