THE AMATEUR’S KITCHEN GARDEN. 
295 
July. 
“ As clear as founts in July, when 
We see each grain of gravel.” 
A few remarks on watering may be useful here. As a rule, 
water should never be given until the further withholding of 
it would be detrimental to the plants. Plants left to battle 
with drought send their roots down deep in search of moisture, 
and when rain does come they benefit more by it than those 
that have regular waterings all along. If the ground is dug 
deeply, and kept in good heart, plants that have got once 
established will bear drought for almost any length of time ; 
but things lately planted, and that have not had time to 
“get hold,” must be kept supplied. . Succulent vegetables, 
too, which ought to be kept growing quick, must have 
abundance ; and of course plants in pots must have sufficient. 
There are two important points to be attended to in giving 
water : one is to expose the water to the sun before using it, 
to render it soft and warm ; and the other is to give _ a 
thorough soaking at once, sufficient to keep the ground moist 
for a week. Supposing the supply to be limited but regular, 
the best way of economizing both water and time is to take 
the garden piece by piece, watering each piece thoroughly 
every evening, and then beginning again as at . first. Sur- 
face sprinklings bring the roots to the surface in search of 
the moisture, which, when they reach it, is insufficient to 
nourish them, but, on the contrary, causes exhaustion, by 
inducing the growth of fibres within reach of the burning rays 
of the sun. Plants in pots, in windows, and on gravel paths 
are very much tried by the heating action of the sun, and to 
keep their roots cool it is advisable to drop the pots into 
larger ones, and fill between the two with moss. This is the 
proper way to use ornamental pots, and the dressing of moss 
may be made to hide the inside pot which contains the plant, 
by arranging it neatly over the surface of the soil. 
Where early crops are coming off, clear the ground and dig 
it over at once ; it is a folly to wait for the last handful of 
peas or beans. As soon as the rows cease to be profitable, 
destroy them, and clear the ground. Dig deep, and plant 
out Brussels sprouts, green collards, kale, savoys, cabbages, 
broccolis, etc. If the plants are crowded in the seed-bed, it is 
best to get them out at once. Have all ready, and in the 
