218 How TO Grow Cut Flowers. 



fine stimulants to such as seem to be the natural food 

 of all plants. If your soil has been properly prepared 

 they will fiiid in it all the food they can assimilate for 

 the first two months. When the last mulching seems 

 exhausted, liquids may be applied with beneficial re- 

 sults if abundant root action is present to absorb it, 

 but it should not be given too strong, or when the soil 

 is dry. If it is found desirable to use liquid food to 

 any extent, use it lightly once or twice a week as the 

 state of the soil demands, and change the ingredients 

 from' time to time. A peck of fresh cow manure after 

 remaining twenty-four hours in a barrel of water will 

 be as strong as should be used. Alternate with the 

 same quantity of sheep manure prepared in the same 

 way, and that with half the quantity from the poultry 

 yard. This in turn may be changed for one-half pint 

 of aqua ammonia in a barrel of water, after which 

 commence with the first if more is needed. Liquids 

 should never be applied to a dry soil. If the bed has 

 for any reason become dry, or dry in spots, go over it 

 first with clear water giving the larger portion of what 

 is needed in this way, following with the liquid to be 

 applied. Experience and watchfulness alone can reg- 

 ulate the amount and frequency of the applications. 



Horn shavings are used by some, both in the soil 

 and by letting them stand in water a few days and 

 then using the liquid. I also know of some who will 

 not use them the second time, having had all the ex- 



