"i] LOAM 35 



must always be avoided, as they are absolutely 

 useless. 



I ha^^e frequently been asked the question, 

 " AVhat is loam ? " Loam is one of the principal 

 soils used in gardening operations. Gardeners 

 will easily understand the expression, but as many 

 amateurs and the inexperienced will not, I would 

 advise these, when ordering loam, to use the 

 expression, "fibrous loam," as horticultural sun- 

 driesmen wiU easily understand what is required. 

 Always be explicit, and ask for heavy, or 

 moderately heavy, and not hght loam. 



It is always best, where possible, to store the 

 soil some time previous to its being used. Dig 

 the loam (or procure it) some six, nine, or twelve 

 months before using, and place it in a heap, turves 

 downwards, so that it may become what is com- 

 monly termed " mellow." Then secure some 

 good stable manure containing plenty of horse- 

 droppings, and place it in a heap. This should 

 be done two or three months before it is used. 

 Turn the manure over once or twice to assist it 

 in decaying, for by so doing it will be far better 

 for use. 



With regard to soil, it is the best plan to pre- 

 pare sufficient for each year's work only where 

 one has plenty of soil at hand, unless a good 

 bargain can be made in the way of loam. Then, 



