"It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine."—Ezekiel xvii.
Skeleton leaves, and seed vessels of plants, form exceedingly interesting objects, and serve to illustrate the wonderful structure of plants. With patience and care, they may be produced by any person, and will afford an interesting occupation. The leaves should be gathered when they are in perfection—that is, when some of the earliest leaves begin to fall from the trees. Select perfect leaves, taking care that they are not broken, or injured by insects. Lay them in pans of rain water, and expose them to the air to undergo decomposition. Renew the water from time to time, taking care not to damage the leaves. They need not be examined more than once a week, and then only to see that the water is sufficient to cover them. Give them sufficient time for their soft parts to become decomposed, then take them out, and laying them on a white plate with a little water, wash away carefully, with a camel-hair pencil, the green matter that clings to the fibres. The chief requirement is patience on the part of the operator, to allow the leaves and seed vessels sufficient time to decompose. Some leaves will take a few weeks, and others a few months, but a large panful may be put to decompose at the same time, and there will always be some ready for the process of cleansing. When they are thoroughly cleaned, they should be bleached, by steeping for a short time in a weak solution of chloride of lime. They should then be dried, and either pressed flat, or arranged in bouquets for preservation under glass shades. The result will amply reward the perseverance of the operator.
1160. Why are clayey soils unfavourable to vegetation?
Because the soil is too close and adhesive to allow of the free passage of air or water to the roots of the plants; it also obstructs the expansion of the fibres of the roots.
1161. Why are sandy soils unfavourable to vegetation?
Because they consist of particles that have too little adhesion to each other; they do not retain sufficient moisture for the nourishment of the plants; and they allow too much solar heat to pass to the roots.
1162. Why are chalk soils unfavourable to vegetation?
Because they do not absorb the solar rays, and are therefore cold to the roots of plants.