78 BOOK OF THE COTTAGE GARDEN 



manure, which tends to stiffen and make them more 

 retentive of moisture. Stable manure, containing plenty 

 of litter, is best for heavy land, and if clay is present in 

 quantity old lime rubbish and screened rubble should be 

 added to lighten its texture. Lime is much needed in 

 most gardens, especially when the soil is inclined to 

 sourness ; for stone fruits, too, it is invaluable. Even 

 in the smallest garden a corner is required where 

 manure and potting compost may be stored, leaves col- 

 lected, rubbish burnt, and the various untidy details 

 connected with vegetable growing be carried out. This 

 should be screened off from the main garden, and may 

 fittingly adjoin a small potting and tool shed, which, with 

 a miniature frame ground for raising seedlings, forcing 

 cucumbers, etc., will be found a great convenience. 



The walled-in kitchen garden will ensure ideal condi- 

 tions for the growing of choice fruit, and when building 

 new walls they should be so constructed that the train- 

 ing and protection of trees may easily be carried out. 

 Walls with a plain face are better than those with but- 

 tresses or other ornamental features, though these may 

 occur on the outer side should it be desired. At the 

 time of building, it is usual to insert eyelets and irons 

 for supporting net boards, as the fabric is more or less 

 damaged when this is deferred until after the walls have 

 been erected. North and east walls should be higher 

 than those facing west or south, the exact measurements 

 depending upon the amount of natural shelter and the 

 exposure to prevailing winds. On walls with a north 

 or eastern aspect, late Plums, Morella Cherries and Red 

 Currants may be grown ; early Pears and Plums, the 

 choicer fruits, such as Peaches and Nectarines, and all 

 delicate varieties, will succeed on those facing west or 

 south. A projecting coping, either of stone or brick, is 

 a great advantage, and to prevent any harbourage for 

 pests the walls should be well pointed and kept in good 



