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ON THE USE OF HEATH-SOIL FOR FINE-ROOTED PLANTS. 
Probably there is no one subject within the compass of floriculture, on which 
modern scientific views have thrown so much light, as on the best nature and 
properties of that soil which is commonly called peat. And as this earth enters 
largely into most composts, and is extensively used by itself for many tribes of 
plants, it is very important that correct opinions should be diffused regarding it. 
Believing that the notions current among the majority of cultivators respecting 
this soil and its uses, are highly erroneous, we have deemed it necessary to present 
a few observations on the actual nature of heath-mould, and on those varieties of 
it which are most suitable for the cultivator's purposes. We shall pointedly 
endeavour to render our remarks as popular as possible. 
Heath-mould is strictly a mass of vegetable matter in a state of entire or 
partial decomposition, and is often likewise filled with vegetable roots of a hard 
nature, which have scarcely begun to decay ; and with sand, in greater or less 
proportions, as well as of various degrees of fineness. It is of very different 
qualities and textures, according as it is found on dry elevated places, or in shallow 
beds with a rocky substratum, or in low boggy parts with clay or gravel beds 
beneath it. That which is got on well-drained spots is generally of a lighter 
colour, and less compact, because filled with a greater proportion of root fibre. 
That obtained from wet and swampy situations is mostly black, of a close texture, 
sodden, and destitute of much vegetable fibre. 
There are several varieties of these two principal kinds, and the various sorts so 
run into each other, that it would frequently be difficult to say to which of these 
classes any particular specimen belonged. Yet the distinctions we have named — 
with the exception of colour, which is not unvarying — will be sufficient as 
practical guides. 
Of course it needs no argument to show that the light-coloured, open-textured, 
fibrous heath-soil is that which alone the gardener ought to employ. The other 
is only fit for burning, or for building rude hovels or banks with. 
But there is another characteristic of heath-mould which may serve as a test of 
its appropriateness for exotic plants ; and this is its sandiness. A smaller or larger 
portion of sand is met with in almost all heath-soil ; and this is either minute and 
gritty, or approaching to the nature of fragments of sand-stone. Where it 
decidedly takes the latter form, it may be regarded as a good ingredient, calculated 
to prove advantageous in rendering the texture more open. But where it is very 
small, and exists in any quantity, it is to be considered a bad sign, for such soil is 
usually devoid of much vegetable fibre, and lies too closely together. 
The use of sand, whether as an addition to soil, or as a natural component 
thereof, will no doubt ere long be generally deemed injudicious, except for cuttings. 
VOL. XI. NO. CXXIII. K 
