The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-03-08
The scrap Book.

Soil Fertility.-Few soils are so lacking
in fertility that they would not grow
crops could the mineral plant food which
they contain be unlocked ana brought in
to fit condition for use. This important
operation, as well as nitrification-or the
conversion of nitrogen compounds into the
form of nitrates-can proceed only in the
presence of moisture. Crops plowed I'M
der for green manuring, and barn ma
nures. can be made available only when
there is sufficient moisture in the soil.
there is a constant movement toward the
plant roots to restore the equilibrium, or
to make good that use by the plant. This
movement of the moisture brings to the
roots the soluble plant food.
Growing Hard-head Cabbage.-Good
seeds is the firts requisite, then a suita-
BILE variety, then well grown plants set in
rich land well prepared and then such
cultivation as so valuable crop deserves,
and cabbage growing is a delightful oc-
cupation and very profitable one.
The Brunswick-Short-Stem is an excel
lent variety for southern use. For a late
crop the fat Dutch, If well bred, is still
a desirable kind. The Sure-head and the
all-seasons are all excellent For fall
setting the improved American Savoy is
unsurpassed and produces heads as hard
as a cannon ball almost. There are other
excellent sorts. Much Of the manure APP
piled to cabbages should be in the way Of
top-dressings applied judiciousy after the
plants have grown six or eight weeks.
This manure should be composed of the
finest grade of phosphate. with proper
proportion Of nitrate Of soda, and some
potash 1t would be well to mix 1t with
some diVisor so that it will be applied
evenly without the risk of applying too
much, making two applications If neces-
sary. This is the best way of procedure
with cabbages as well as with some other
crops. over feeding must be guarded
against just as undertaking. We have
killed cabbage by giving too much food
On sandy land cabbages can be success
fully grown only by the Chinese plan
manuring the plant instead Of manuring
the soil This is the rational plan. some
might designate II as the scientific" plan
but rational is a term that suits US
well enough.
Planting the Lawn.--"vVhen planting
trees In the lawn" writes Even Il. Rex
ford in the March Ladies' Home Journal
I'VE must remember that the tree of to-
day Is only a hint of what the tree Of
ten or twenty years TO come will be. The
trees we plant to-day, perhaps five or
six feet tall and with spread Of branches
a dozen years from now stand twenty
five feet high. and have a spread Of ff-
teen or twenty feet. If we plant them
but ten or twelve feet apart now we will
have. at the stage Of development they
are expected 10 reach in a dozen years,
a perfect thicket of branches overhead
and dense shade beneath. Never plant
with regard to regularity. that Is. so
many feet apart each way as the rule
has been laid down for orchards.
"If you want several shrubs on a small
lawn. and the space is too small 10 allow
you to set them as far apart as they.
ought to be. in order to give them the
benefit of space individually. group them,
that Is, plant them in a clump. The idea
Is to make the three or four. or FIVE
shrubs which you plant IN the group
produce a unity OF effect which will give
much the same impression that one we'll
developed specimen would. BY selecting
varieties in which there is contrast OF
color as to foliage. as well as flowers. sat
isfactory results may be secured. In the
irregularity which produces charming ef-
fects there Is always a method and a
plan"
A Great Vegetable-There are only
few varieties Of asparagus Strictly