ON SOWING THE SEEDS OF EXOTIC PLANTS. 229 



in the proper mould, which must be gently pressed to the roots, that 

 they may the sooner incorporate themselves with it. In this manner 

 pot as many as may be thought sufficient for the present purpose, at 

 the same time allowing a few for mischances. They must then be 

 well watered, in the manner already directed for seedlings, and set 

 in a cool frame, on coal ashes well rolled, or any other hard sub- 

 stance that will prevent the worms getting so freely into them as 

 they otherwise would. The lights must be kept constantly on, and 

 close, for a few days, more or less, as circumstances may require ; 

 and it will be also necessary to shade them very securely from the 

 strong rays of the sun at first ; however, in a little time, the lights 

 may be taken off at night, if fine, having them on, and shading in 

 the day, until by degrees the plants are so hardened as to be able to 

 withstand the full power of the sun ; thus, in the space of a fortnight 

 or so, they will be fit to be set in the clumps along with the other 

 plants. 



This business should not be undertaken later than the middle of 

 August, for if executed at a more advanced season the plants will 

 not have time to establish themselves, and consequently will not 

 succeed to the wishes of the proprietor; therefore, any that may 

 remain in the pots, not strong enough to be parted by that period, 

 should be removed into the greenhouse early in September, and there 

 placed in their proper situation in that department until the spring 

 following. Indeed, there are some seeds which absolutely require to 

 be kept for that term before they will vegetate, whereby it becomes 

 necessary to examine with care, when removing them to the green- 

 house, whatever pots have not by that time shown any signs of vege- 

 tation, and those which are found alive must be saved, and treated 

 in the same manner as fresh-sown seeds ; those which have failed 

 should be emptied, and taken to their place at once. 



The pots set in the house will require nearly the same treatment 

 as usual, viz., to be kept perfectly clear from weeds, and regularly 

 watered. Water should now be given in the morning only, as any 

 damps it may occasion will have time sufficient to evaporate in course 

 of the ensuing day ; whereas, if given in the evening, it causes a 

 chillne8s about their tender leaves, and from the necessary closeness 

 of the house at night, not having free exhalation, it may do a 

 material injury, not only to the seedlings themselves, but likewise to 



