CABBAGES AND CAULIFLOWERS. 



13 



of the soil, loosening the stiff subsoil, and a 

 frequent stirring of the surface. The great value 

 of poultry clung is thus demonstrated, and this is 

 an item not to be left out in the calculation when 

 the question is one of profitable poultry keeping 

 and the growing of high-class garden products. 



Of course, the broadcast, liberal manuring 

 system is to be recommended when the object is 

 not only to grow a single fine crop, but to in- 

 crease the fertility of soil for following crops. 

 As for some of the artificial manures, however, 

 especially such as those in which the most valu- 

 able ingredients are either rather volatile or easily 

 soluble, the greatest advantage of their use will be 

 had by applying them at the planting places, mix- 

 ing them well with the soil to the extent to which 

 the roots of the plants will be likely to reach. By 

 this mode of application a certain quantity of 

 manure will go much further than if sown broad- 

 cast: nothing will be wasted, and perhaps the 

 greatest advantage of the dropping system is the 

 thorough disintegration of the soil incident to the 

 mixing with it of the manure, thus making a bed 

 in which the plants can most readily throw out 

 a network of fibrous, active roots,, that will find 

 rich nourishment in their immediate vicinity, 

 wherever they stray. Such extra preparation of 

 the soil and thorough intermixing of finely- 

 divided fertilizing substances will pay well for the 

 extra work and care, and it requires but little 

 practice and adroitness to accomplish this work 



