178 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



to be carefully picked out, or tliey will cause great injury to the 

 plants by stopping the drainage ;ind disturbing the roots. The pots 

 known as "forty-eights" will b*- large enougli for this sowing ; and 

 these should be prepared by placing a crock over the hole in the 

 bottom, and laying on this about two inches of the roughest of the 

 soil, after which they should be filled witli soil, pressed evenly and 

 firmly, leaving the surface level within half an inch of the rim. On 

 this the seed should be sown regularly, and, if its quality can be 

 de^iended on, two dozen seeds will be enough for each pot ; they will 

 come up stronger than if sown thicker. Sift a little soil over the 

 seeds, and give this a gentle pressure with the back of the hand, 

 leaving the surface smooth and even, then give a gentle watering 

 with tepid water, which will warm the soil and assist germiuation. 

 Plunge the pots in a frame with a gentle bottom-heat, and keep the 

 lights shut till the plants begin to appear ; afterwards admit a little 

 air every day, if the state of the atmosphere will allow ; but at all 

 times avoid the admission of currents of cold air, as Mignonette 

 suifers severely from too rash an exposure to cold winds. When 

 the plants become a little inured to exposure, remove the lights 

 every fine day, which will prevent them from being drawn, and better 

 enable them subsequently to support themselves. As soon as the 

 seed-leaves are fully developed, thin out the plants, leaving at this 

 time ten or twelve in each pot ; this number should be retained, as 

 thev are liable to damp oif if over-watered, and especially if the 

 weather should happen to be dull. "When the\ have made three or 

 four leaves, tliin them out to five plants, which number is sufiicient 

 for a 48-sized pot ; at the same time stir the surface of the soil, 

 which often becomes caked by continual watering, and thereby 

 prevents the access of air to the roots. When the sun begins to 

 act powerfully upon them, a thin shading for a few hours during the 

 heat of the day will be of great service by obstructing its rays, 

 which give to the foliage a yellow and unsightly appearance. When 

 they have grown three or four inches, they will require to be tied 

 up, to prevent them from falling over the sides of the pot. In doing 

 this, place five small stakes at equal distances close by the edge of 

 the pot ; then pass a strip of matting with a turn round each of the 

 stakes, and fasten it ; it is necessary to leave the stakes two or three 

 inches higher than the plants, as I have found them sometimes to 

 require a second tie. If the roots at that time have found their way 

 througli the bottom of the pot, they must be broken off, or the 

 plants will receive a severe check when finally removed. In re- 

 plunging them, give them sufficient room to prevent their being 

 drawn. They w ill require little more attention besides giving plenty 

 of air, watering, and shading, till the middle of May, when they 

 will be in good condition for removing to the conservatory. 



The next sowing will require to be made about the beginning of 

 April. The same compost as previously recommended should be 

 used. 'For this sowing, however, I would prefer 32-sized pots, and 

 would allow seven plant.s to remain in each ; by thus having a greater 

 body of soil, it will be found to retain moisture for a greater length 

 of time, and the plants will not be so liable to receive any check by 



