The Soil 



63 



"cold." For garden purposes, until properly trans- 

 formed, they hold too much water, are difficult to 

 handle, and are ''late." But even if there be no 

 choice but a clay soil for the home garden, the gar- 

 dener need not be discouraged. By proper treatment 

 it may be brought into excellent condition for grow- 

 ing vegetables, and will produce some sorts, such as 

 celery, better than any warm, light, "garden" soil. 

 The first thing to do with the clay soil garden, is to 

 have it thoroughly drained. For the small amount 

 of ground usually required for a home garden, this 

 will entail no great expense. Under ordinary con- 

 ditions, a half-acre garden could be under-drained 

 for from $25 to $50 — probably nearer the first 

 figure. The drains — round drain tile, with collars — 

 should be placed at least three feet deep, and if they 

 can be put four, it will be much better. The lines 

 should be, for the former depth, twenty to thirty 

 feet apart, according to character of the soil ; if four 

 feet deep, they will accomplish just as much if put 

 thirty to fifty feet apart — so it pays to put them in 

 deep. For small areas 2^ -inch land tile will do. 

 The round style gives the best satisfaction and will 

 prove cheapest in the end. The outlet should of 

 course be at the lowest point of land, and all drains, 

 main and laterals, should fall slightly, but without 

 exception, toward this point. Before undertaking to 

 put in the drains, even on a small area, it will pay 



