1084 



THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. 



sand naturally; and as a substitute, vegetable-mould of de- 

 cayed tree-leaves and sand may be used. 



Bog-mould is generally confounded with the above kinds 

 of peat, but is more correctly used when we express any thing 

 relating to peat of vegetable remains, or such as is used for 

 fuel ; but even in such mould many plants flourish. 



Loam is of various kinds, differing in colour, texture, &c. ; 

 but that which is used by cultivators simply is of two sorts, 

 namely, strong loam and light loam. The former is less used 

 than the latter, and nearly approaches to clay, being of a 

 yellow colour, and feeling greasy to the touch, but breaking 

 freely into pieces when half dried. Such loam as becomes 

 hard when dried, is not so useful to the cultivator, but it may 

 be j)artially corrected by the addition of sharp sand. 



Light loam is generally to be preferred, and Uiat which is 

 obtained fi om the surface of sheep walks or downs, which 

 have never been under cultivation, is the best, and is deno- 

 minated virgin-loam. Its colour is in general yellow or ha2^1- 

 colored, although sometimes black. Such loam contains only 

 a small portion of sand, which may be detected by washing 

 and examining the sediment. It generally contains a consider- 

 able portion of fibrous matter, and the greater quantity tliat it 

 does contain, the better. It is seldom good for immediate use, if 

 taken deeper than six or ten inches below the surface, although 

 some instances occur when it has been found good at a greater 

 depth. It, however, should be dug up, and exposed to tliQ 

 action of the atmosphere some time previously to its being 

 used. 



In the following short directions for the propagation of 

 green-house and conservatory plants, notice is repeatedly 

 taken of the following composts. These are in general com- 

 pounded in nearly the following proportions 



Sandy Loam. — Three-parts loam to one of sand. 



Sandy Peat. — Often found naturally upon the surface of 

 heaths, and contains a large portion of pure white shining 

 sand. When artificially compounded, three-parts of peat to 

 one of pure sand. 



Rich Sandy Loam. — One-third or fourth very rotten dung 

 added to sandy loam. 



