hi] surface dressing 61 



The early part of February is the best time to 

 perform the above operation. 



Surface-dressing. — The best surface-dress- 

 ing, to my knowledge, is that which is composed 

 of "kiln-dust" and horse droppings. These should 

 be mixed in equal proportions. Horse-droppings 

 can generally be obtained, but it is not always so 

 easy to secure kiln-dust, unless where there are 

 " maltings." The term " kiln-dust " should be 

 clearly understood, as this is not the common 

 " malt-dust " which is obtained when malt is being 

 screened, but the charred dust which comes from 

 the malt-kilns as the malt is undergoing the dry- 

 ing process. Hence growers should be careful 

 to ask for " kiln-dust." In mixing the compost, 

 spread the kiln-dust and horse-droppings very 

 thinly, say 2 or 3 ins. deep, and not more, and 

 saturate it moderately well. If there is a '• cess- 

 pool " containing any washings from the kitchen, 

 such as soap-suds, it will answer well for the pur- 

 pose. No strong liquid, such as urine and the 

 like, should ever be used, but rather use clear 

 water. Let the compost remain 24 hours, and 

 then turn it o^er, and if it requires more satura- 

 ting, it should be again done, and allowed to stand 

 another 24 hours. It may then be used as directed 

 in the calendar of operations for May. A second 

 application may be made as the fruits commence 



