GARDENING FoR ALL. 13 
it with the soil; then return the top soil, which was first dug 
out, and mix a little manure with this also. The ground so 
treated will now be higher, warmer, and richer than the 
ground between the trenches; but the latter will also be 
improved, because the trenches will drain the land on either 
side. Upon the broad ridges may be sown, in due time, rows 
of peas and beans; and these may be followed, with advantage, 
by cauliflowers, cabbages, turnips, carrots, &c. Whatever 
kind of crop is chosen to occupy those positions, it will be 
found to be above the general average in quantity and quality. 
OTHER METHODS OF IMPROVEMENT. 
Heavy clay soil may be improved by burning or charring ; 
but we must remember that the process of burning not only 
changes the mechanical nature of the soil, but also destroys 
the nitrogen it contains. The nitrogen must, therefore, be 
replaced after charring or burning by the application of 
manure. Charring, or burning, is also destructive of insect 
pests, which is a decided advantage. A thick dressing of 
decayed leaves or other refuse of the garden, road scrapings, 
lime, the finest siftings of coal ashes, will each and all 
materially improve such soil. 
Clay loam may be treated as the foregoing, especially in 
regard to the application of the different kinds of materials 
mentioned. 
Marly soils will be improved chemically and mechanically 
by the liberal addition of decayed leaves and weeds, road 
scrapings, &c. 
Calcareous soil (chalk or limestone) requires plentiful 
supplies of manure, and decayed vegetable matter generally ; 
and an eye should be kept to the necessity of draining. 
Sandy and gravelly soils will be much improved by a 
judicious and periodical dressing with lime or marl, and a 
little burnt clay when available; also with good manurings, 
and liberal dressings with decayed leaves and weeds. 
