American Plants.--These thrive most in a peat or bog soil, but where
this cannot be obtained a good fertile loam, with a dressing of fresh
cow manure once in two years, may be used; or leaf-mould and soil from
the surface of pasture land, in the proportions of three parts of the
former to one of the latter. The soil should be chopped up and used
in a rough condition. Sickly plants with yellowish foliage may be
restored by applying liquid manure once a week during the month of
July. A light top-dressing of cow manure applied annually, and keeping
the roots free from stagnant water, will preserve the plants in good
health.