58 CULTIVATION. 



its constitutional temperament, is suitable for the 

 bulb, may not be rich enough for the radicles 

 which supply the flower and leaves ; and there- 

 fore advise one kind of compost for the surface, 

 and another and richer for the bottom. Mad- 

 dock, for instance, directs that the natural soil of 

 the bed be taken out to the depth of twenty 

 inches, and filled with sound fresh loam to the 

 height of ten inches ; upon this is laid a stratum 

 of two years' old rotten cow-dung and loam 

 mixed together, twelve inches thick ; and above 

 all another layer of loam, three inches thick, to 

 form the surface. There is reason in thus com- 

 posing the bed ; because, as any kind of animal 

 manure is foreign to the plant, it should only be 

 offered to them ; that is, put within their reach, 

 and if suitable, they will find and partake of it ; 

 and if not, there will be no risk of injury from it 

 being forced upon, or placed in contact with, the 

 bulbs, which, from its property of retaining wa- 

 ter, and inviting insects, might be, perhaps, 

 detrimental to them. And even if placed at a 

 greater depth than their roots can ever be ex- 



