SOIL FOR 



Loam, three parts, 

 Vegetable matter, one part. 

 Sand, one part. 

 Mix well together. 



When properly mixed, a soil made as above 

 directed will be light and mellow, and will be 

 found adapted to the needs of all ordinary 

 plants, or, in other words, all plants whose 

 roots are moderately strong. Before potting 

 a new plant it is well to examine its root-sys- 

 tem. If it is found to have delicate roots, add 

 more vegetable matter. If its roots are very 

 fine, use still more — making it the principal 

 part of the soil, in fact. You will soon learn 

 how to vary proportions to suit your plants if 

 you make a practice of familiarizing yourself 

 with their root-peculiarities, as every amateur 

 gardener should. The person who achieves 

 success in growing house-plants does so, 

 largely, by studying the peculiarities of them 

 as a mother does those of her children. 



Some plants have but few roots, and these 

 large, strong ones. As a general thing, such 

 plants do not like a light, open soil. One of 

 loam containing considerable clay, with vege- 

 table matter left out, will suit them best. It 



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