I84 FLORA HISTOBICA. 



fectly smooth and even, and the seeds sown upon it 

 with the utmost regularity, in such quantity as nearly 

 to cover it. The glasses should be placed over it 

 immediately, and the frame kept closely covered with 

 them for two or three days, till the seed begins to 

 swell and soften : a little light earth should then be 

 sifted upon it, through a fine sieve, but not suffi- 

 cient to cover it ; this should be repeated once or 

 twice a week, till the greater part of the seed dis- 

 appears. It is proper to remark that those seeds 

 which happen to be covered deeper than the thick- 

 ness of a half-crown piece will never vegetate, and 

 must of course perish." 



It is necessary to keep the seed moderately moist, 

 by gentle waterings with soft water that has been 

 exposed to the sun ; and it must be given by a 

 watering-pot that has a rose perforated with a great 

 number of very small holes, that the streams may 

 be very fine and regular. 



About the time that the plants begin to make 

 their appearance, it is proper to stir the surface of 

 the earth with a pin or bodkin, just sufficient to 

 admit air, and give liberty to the young plants to 

 pass easily through. This operation should be very 

 carefully performed, to prevent breaking off the 

 fibres, or raising or leaving any of the plants out of 

 the earth. When the sun shines very hot, it is 

 necessary to admit some fresh air under the glasses 



