118 THE FLOEAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



operations. A finely pulverized soil pressing on all sides of the 

 seed is found to assist its germination ; too much moisture causes it 

 to rot, while a moderate degree of humidity is favourable to a vigorous 

 growth. We shall apply these general remarks to our various de- 

 partments of seed sowing which are interesting to gardeners, both in 

 the flower and culinary departments. Never attempt to sow vege- 

 table seeds when the soil is so moist as to stick to your feet. The 

 month of March this year has been sadly trying in this respect, for 

 on some lands no days have been favourable for sowing. Patience 

 is exercised by delay, but the rule ought to he adhered to — for peas, 

 beans, onions, etc., put into the ground when it does not crumble 

 under the touch of the hoe cannot do well. The soil cannot be 

 pressed on the seeds except in a hard, clayey texture, inimical to 

 growth, and the surrounding land will be rendered hard and imper- 

 vious to light and air by the treading. The same remarks fully 

 apply to potatoes, for the lighter the soil is the better the crop 

 will be. 



If we follow Nature we shall not go very deep, for all observations 

 show that even without any covering seeds will germinate and 

 prosper. Acorns, nuts, peas, etc., left where they fall undisturbed, 

 are sure to push roots downward. It would not do to place our rows 

 of peas on the surface, for they would be disturbed in various ways, 

 but when we cover them with soil let it not be too deeply. 



If the ground is in a proper state, seeds should be trodden or 

 rolled in. Last year I took the advice of a writer in the Floral 

 World, and rolled my onion-bed, when sown, with a heavy garden 

 roller. I think I perceived the advantage of the plan, and the crop 

 was certainly excellent, less disposed to run to neck than ordinarily. 

 After sowing, if the beds or rows are not too extensive, it is better 

 to guard at once against birds and cats by a slight covering of brush- 

 wood. I use pea-sticks, laying them along the rows of peas and 

 beans, and upon seed-beds. As soon as the peas are up, the sticks 

 are on the spot for their destined service. 



In reference to annuals and other flower-seeds, the same rules 

 apply. Flower-seeds, sown in the open air, should not be put in too 

 early, however inviting the weather may be. Stocks, marigolds, etc., 

 sown in the end of April, will often be more forward than those put 

 in in March. Heavy rains and cold winds stunt the growth of the 

 seedlings, and frosts sometimes destroy them altogether. But my 

 plan is always to sow annuals in a frame and transplant them. 



When this is done, the beginning of April is early enough. In 

 sowing care is required, or the moist heat of a frame will rot the 

 seeds. The soil should never be wet. It will be found that small 

 seeds will grow in mould which appears dry, better than in that 

 which is sensibly wet. Abundance of air must be given. 





