VEGETABLE MOULD.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 59, 9 March 1878, Page 6

VEGETABLE MOULD.

The Gardener's JRecord, in giving directions for the preparation of mould, says: — As early in the autumn as the leaves of trees can bo collected, let them be brought in a considerable quantity, into a close place, and dressed up there in the form of a hotbed. Let this be well saturated with the [drainings from the dung heap, with suds from the wash house, with urine from the stable and cow house, where this latter article can be procured. Let this bed or heap be covered and lined with fresh stable dung to make it heat. When the heat has sufficiently subsided, let the leave 3bo uncovered aud turned over, to mix the dry and wet well together, and if moisture bo required, let them have it of the same description, repeating the process till all bo reduced to fine mould. This will be ready lor use in two months from the time of collecting the leave?, and to prevent any waste of the liquid recommended, a layer of maiden earth, of two feet thick, should be made the substratum, which would receive any of the valuable liquid that would otherwise run to waiste. Leaves of slow decomposition should be avoided, as those of the oak, etc., which, however, are the best for retaining heat iv hot-beds and pits. The leaves of fir should also be avoided, but those of the

sycamore, elm s alder, maple, and all the soft kinds are better suited for the purpose. This compost should be kept dry, in an airy place, and ridged up, so that the rain cannot wash out the salts with which it abounds.