16 SOILS AND PLANT LIFE 



each contains. Dry them in air and sift each one. Secure 

 other samples if possible, being careful to get two of each 

 type of soil, one of which is worn out while the other is 

 rich in humus. 



Cut holes about one inch in diameter in the bottom of 

 tomato cans, if you do not have on hand those prepared 

 for this exercise. Place a piece of screen wire over each 

 hole, then a piece of cheesecloth over the wire. Fill as 

 many of these cans level full as you have samples of soil. 

 Label each one, for instance, " Sandy Loam from the 

 Center of the Road," " Sandy Soil from Old Fence Row," 

 etc. Remember always to work them in pairs, the worn 

 out and the rich soil of the same tjT)e. Carefully record 

 the weight of each can both before it is filled with soil and 

 afterwards so that you can tell exactly how much soil is 

 in each one. 



Place the cans in a pan or bucket and pour water around 

 but not on them. It should stand within one half inch 

 of the top of the cans. At the class period the following 

 day, remove them and set them in a cool place to drain. 

 After two days weigh each can again. 



Conclusion. — Tell how much water each soil has taken 

 up. Figure the percentage of moisture taken up and 

 held by the soil in each can. A soil containing plenty of 

 humus does not dry out as readily as one poor in humus. 

 Why? Ask your father or any good farmer in the neigh- 

 borhood which field dries out first, one which was in pasture 

 or meadow a year or two ago, or one which has been cul- 

 tivated for a number of years. Ask him if a clay soil, 

 rich in organic matter, dries out as soon as a sandy one. 

 Summarize all this information in your conclusion. 



10. The Water which filters down through the Soil 

 and drains away. — The sky may be clear overhead. 



