6 



tainable, approximate it as nearly as you can^ and you will 

 have landed pretty safely on one of the stepping stones to 

 success. 



Leaf Soil is not half-rotted wood, but is ^7? or aw^cAfy decom- 

 posed leaves. It is easily obtainable in the forest, can be- 

 found in the valleys or in hollow places where the winds have 

 blown the leaves. Scrape off the top and you will get the 

 deposits of former years. It is very rich and invigorating. 



Peat is a black or nearlj^ black soil found in swamps and 

 other low places ; is very rich in vegetable fibre and as a rule 

 contains some sand. Where it cannot conveniently be ob- 

 tained, leaf soil will prove a good substitute. 



Manttees Xo manures are suitable for potting purposes 

 until they are at le'ist half dec :iyed (such as have been used in 

 a hot bed) they are better when they are sufficiently decom- 

 posed as to sift without much difficulty. 



Sand should be free from all foreign substances; if it is 

 not, it can be washed by putting it in a tub or some other 

 vessel, and rinsing it through several waters. The ladies will 

 understand what we mean by this. 



Moss from the woods or sphagnum from the swamps is 

 very good to mix in the compost for Ferns, Pitcher Plants, 

 Orchids, etc. It should be torn or chopped into small pieces 

 before using, and be mixed In the soil. 



LiOAM. This word is often used to mean quite different 

 •substances ; we intend it to mean in this case rotted sods and 

 totted manure prepared as follows : In the spring, or at any 

 •other convenient time, cut from an old pasture field, on the 

 Toadside or anj'where you can get them, sods ; cut them small 

 enough to handle convenientlj', and about two inches thick ; 

 iay them in a heap, grassy sides together; between each alter- 

 nate layer of sods put one layer of manure ; (cow dung is best) 

 in a few months chop as best you can with a spade, and mix 

 the compost thoroughly; the heap should be turned and 

 mixed several times during the season, until it becomes fria- 

 ble, when it is ready for use. 



The reader may think it will cost considerable time and 

 may be some funds to have a small supply of these soils on 

 hand, but thej' can be obtained at odd times in spare moments 

 ihat might not be otherwise used to advantage, and we feel 



