20 OENAMENTAI, FOLIAGE PLANTS. 



Peat. — This is also of two kinds. That which is com- 

 posed principally of decayed mosses and woody materials, 

 and is mostly used for burning-, is not of much value 

 for in-door plant growing, though some kinds of plants 

 thrive well in it. The peat most serviceable for our 

 purpose is composed of decayed vegetable matter, and 

 contains a considerable amount of sand ; it should be 

 stacked with the top side downwards. 



Leaf Mould. — This is formed of thoroughly decomposed 

 leaves, collected in autumn, kept moist, and frequently 

 turned over to facilitate decay. This kind of soil ought 

 not to be used before it is two or three years old. 



Manure. — A good heap of this should always be kept 

 in the compost yard, so that none may be ever used 

 which is not thoroughly decomposed. 



Sand. — This should be kept under cover, and may be 

 either white or brown. The white or silver sand procured 

 at Reigate, in Surrey, is the best ; next to this comes 

 sharp river sand. 



These various kinds of soil being stored up in the 

 compost yard, and fit for use, any of the mixtures recom- 

 m.ended in the following pages can be made up for use 

 as required. 



