INTRODUCTION. Ivii 



work is about finished ; and it must be remembered that 

 a good foundation, to which the right performance of 

 these details tend, is the first and most important step 

 towards success. But all is now in readiness for sowing. 

 In sowing large seeds there is practically no difficulty. 

 The errors of sowing and covering too thickly are rarely 

 committed in their case, because their bulk suggests, 

 even to the inexperienced operator, a tolerable idea of 

 their requirements in both respects. Small seeds, how- 

 ever, such as those of most CampaniilacecE ?ind Lobeliacece, 

 are often destroyed by reason of too deep covering, and 

 the seedlings by too thick sowing. It is impossible to 

 lay down a rule that would be applicable to all cases 

 and circumstances for practice in either operation, but 

 it is more safe to aim at thin sowing than thick ; and as 

 regards covering small seeds, it will be found generally 

 a safe practice not to exceed much their own individual 

 bulk — that is, when they are to be treated in the way to 

 be immediately described. When all are sown and duly 

 labelled, the pots may then be put in the frame, and 

 plunged to the rims in rows neatly and level. Special 

 care should be taken to secure a level bed to the pot ; for 

 if it should lean to either side, the soil will be carried 

 from the higher to the lower when water is applied to 

 the surface, and the seeds consequently be laid bare. 

 When all are set in the frame, a gentle sprinkling of 

 tepid water may be given to the whole through a fine- 

 rosed watering-pot. The frame should then be shut up 

 and kept close; for, assuming that all above described has 

 been accomplished about the first week in March, there 

 will be no fear of suffering from a too high temperature 

 for a week or two at least, and any bright sunshine that 



