143° 



The Cornell Reading-Courses 



Of course the dates should be used or varied according to the season, 

 the condition of the soil, and other local considerations. 



Nearly all flowering plants may be started in hotbeds or in flats in 

 the house, being transplanted to other flats, hardened in the cold-frames, 

 and later transplanted into the garden, where they are placed in rows at 

 the required distance apart. Shading plants at the time of transplanting 

 aids them to successful growth. 



Thinning 

 If seed is sown directly in the garden, care must be used in thinning 

 the plants properly so that each plant will have ample room in which 

 to develop to the largest size possible. 



",hi|,'I.V'.,.-i" ^- 



Niur^iOSEs." 



Fig. 44. — Flowers set against a background 



} ] 'atering 

 At the time of transplanting and in case of drought during the summer, 

 the garden will be greatly benefited by a liberal amount of water, which 

 may be supplied either by hose or with a watering-pot. After the water- 

 ing is done, ascertain, by means of a stick or with the finger, hew deep 

 into the soil the moisture has gone. If there is a dry place in the soil 

 between the topmost layer and the lower moist soil, apply more water. 



Cultivating 

 Nothing helps a garden, both as to final results and as to appearance, 

 more than does good cultivation. A mulch, or fine, light layer of soil, 



