CULTIVATION OF PERENNIALS, BIENNIALS, ETC. 101 



every advantage and care to get them up. The small 

 seeds must receive but little covering, and that of the 

 finest earth. In sowing these, my practice is to sow them 

 in patches six or eight inches square. The soil having been 

 well prepared, I settle the ground gently with the foot or 

 a small piece of board, so as to make an even, somewhat 

 firm, surface. The seeds are then evenly strewed over 

 the surface. Then take some very fine soil and sift or 

 strew over them, covering the seed not more than one- 

 eighth of an inch deep, after which press the soil again 

 gently with the board. It is now of great importance 

 that the seeds, as they vegetate, should be protected from 

 the scorching sun ; an evergreen bough is as good as any- 

 thing to shade them. The soil must not be permitted to 

 get dry until the young plants have acquired some 

 strength ; after which they may be left to take their chance 

 from the effects of sun or dryness. When the plants are 

 of a proper size, and the weather suitable, they may be 

 taken up with a transplanting trowel, and set where want- 

 ed. A small patch of this description will afford plants 

 enough for any common garden. In removing them, a 

 number may be taken up together without disturbing the 

 roots ; but when the plants have become established, all 

 may be cut off except the strongest ones. As a general 

 rule, a single plant gives better satisfaction than when a 

 number are grown together, except when planted in mas- 

 ses, or where there is to be a group. The beauty of many 

 annuals is completely destroyed by hudclling them together. 

 Give every plant room according to its habits. A single 

 plant, well trained, may be made very beautiful ; while a 

 number of the same species, grown together, without suf- 

 ficient room, would be worthless. 



Larkspur, find many other seeds, should be sown where 

 they are to remain. A bed of Double Rocket Larkspur, 

 well managed, is almost equal to a bed of Hyacinths, when 



