V 



MANURES 



75 



The time for using liquid manure is May and June, 

 especially after rain if possible ; if some be given in 

 April, be careful of the young foliage, and do not give 

 any to " maiden " dwarfs till they have made some 

 growth, being extra careful in this case that no drops 

 fall on the plant itself. But will this be sufficient for 

 a whole year's food ? That would depend a good deal 

 on the soil, and whether artificial or natural solid 

 manures were used as well. It is not advisable to apply 

 any in the autumn after July, as the second growth of 

 wood is always much stronger than the first, and will 

 not require further encouragement which might make 

 the plants grow too late and fail to ripen properly. 

 If we put on liquid manure in the winter, no doubt 

 a good deal of its virtue is washed away before the 

 roots can feed on it ; but some of it will remain, and 

 I think it is always worth doing. At that time it may 

 be supplied much stronger and more concentrated than 

 in the summer without fear of harm. 



As to the manner of application, it may be put on 

 by water-pot, pail or hose, or whatever is quickest, 

 provided it soaks in. Unfortunately the surface of the 

 soil is often such that the wash and dash close the 

 pores of the earth, and the liquid for the moment 

 cannot penetrate but runs off. Where much watering 

 with liquid manure is contemplated, or under any 

 circumstances where the natural soil is light and porous 

 and the drainage good, it is best to have the surface 

 of the beds below the general level of the ground ; the 

 whole can then be flooded, as it were. If, however, the 

 beds are somewhat raised and the liquid runs off, there 

 is nothing for it but patience ; a little at a time and 

 come back again and again to the same place. 



In early spring we may sometimes find an occasion, 



