22 SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENS 
Preparing the soil. With a screen that has a quarter- 
inch mesh, screen separately manure, soil, and sand; 
then mix them thoroughly so that the mixture will 
contain one third of each. 
Place broken pieces of stone over the entire bottom 
of the flowerpot to a depth of half an inch. If care is 
taken not to close the hole in the bottom of the pot, 
Fic. 16. Leaf Mold and Sod 
The leaves should be placed in a heap and covered with manure or soil. Cut the 
sod two or three inches deep and place the pieces upside down, layer upon layer 
this layer will provide ample drainage. Over the drain- 
age layer place half an inch of small pieces of broken 
sod or leaf mold, to help hold the moisture and prevent 
the sand and soil from passing out of the opening in 
the bottom of the pot. Sphagnum moss, which may be 
obtained from dealers in garden seeds or from green- 
houses, is excellent for retaining moisture. Press the 
layer down firmly and place over it one inch of the pre- 
pared soil. This will give nourishment to the cuttings 
