Beds, Raised or Sunk f 97 



that a person standing on either side rriay be able 

 easily to reach the centre, without stepping off the 

 footpath. Weeds can thus be easily pulled out, 

 and the beds watered without any mischief being 

 done. They may be either raised above the level 

 of the surrounding paths, or the reverse, each 

 method having its advantages in different localities. 

 In damp situations the beds should be raised for 

 dryness, while in very hot localities they should be 

 depressed in order that they may retain as much 

 as possible of the moisture they receive. Some 

 planters prefer nursery-beds made after the fashion 

 of paddy-fields, that is to say, perfectly level and 

 surrounded by raised borders or " bunds," to admit 

 of their being irrigated at pleasure. The draw- 

 backs to this method, however, are, that the rush 

 of water when it is let in carries the seeds in a 

 heap before it, and also that the water after sub- 

 siding is apt to leave the ground hard and stiff. 

 Once the plants have taken root and are well above 

 ground, irrigation is the cheapest and most ex- 

 peditious method of supplying them with moisture, 

 and is not so objectionable except where the soil is 

 inclined to be stiff and clayey. 



If the plants are intended to remain in the 

 nursery for a second or third season, they should 

 be allowed space, and be at least three or fpur 

 inches apart. If grown in straight rows at right 



H 



