18 
THE HOME GARDEN. 
Proper drainage is quite as important a matter in a 
small garden as on a large farm, as plants in a half-sub¬ 
merged state are sure to be spoiled by mildew. Flower 
beds should always be raised a little from the level of the 
walks; but only a little, because, if at all elevated, they 
become dry and baked. 
The soil for flowers depends in a great measure on the 
nature of the flowers to be planted—some requiring a rich, 
heavy soil, while others thrive better in one of a more 
sandy character. Eoses and pansies, for instance, belong 
to the former class, and verbenas and geraniums to the 
latter. But all soil should be made as fine and smooth as 
possible, and a good authority says : “As a general rule, 
the lighter and richer the soil, the better it will be for all 
kinds of flowers. A soil into which you can thrust a dib¬ 
ble with ease to the depth of a foot is of the right texture. ” 
Even the color of the soil is to be considered, for 
flowers and foliage do not show well against a yellow or 
light-colored ground. They require a dark carpet, like 
the belongings of a room, to bring out their full beauty; 
and soil that lacks a rich hue is almost sure to starve the 
plants committed to its care. 
The compost heap is a valuable agent in the prepara¬ 
tion of ground for flowers, and leaf mold from the woods 
or pieces of turf will make as good a basis for one as could 
be desired. It is not an ornamental object, and should be 
kept well out of sight, particularly as its value depends on 
the variety of the refuse which is added from time to time. 
Odds and ends of vegetables, ashes, feathers from poultry, 
old brine, etc., are highly desirable ; while pounded bones 
and contributions from paper mills and tanneries are per¬ 
fect mines of wealth. 
A little experimenting with wood ashes and iron, dug 
into the ground about the roots of blossoming plants, will 
show a wonderful improvement both in flowers and leaves. 
