HOT-BEDS. 313 



it, and. we may now begin to sow in pots seeds of such 

 plants as are of slow growth, or will soonest bear turn- 

 ing out. A little practice will teach us when is the 

 best time to start with the various kinds. Plunge the 

 pots to the rim in the tan, and the bottom heat will 

 soon start the seeds into growth. We see that by hav- 

 ing the seeds in our power, we can control heat and 

 moisture at pleasure, and will scarcely make a failure, 

 unless we are careless enough to leave the glass on too 

 long during hot sunshine. 



Here, too, we will start such summer bulbs and tubers 

 as require a season longer than ours, and of others, a 

 few, to secure a longer season of bloom. Soon we be- 

 gin to "prick out" the young plants, and "pot off" and 

 " shift," in order that they may have a freer growth than 

 they could attain if all grown in one pot, and as they 

 are thus sure to become more stocky, of better habit, 

 and larger size. 



To watch carefully to prevent burning, to water as 



may be necessary, to give air to prevent damping off, 



and to close before nightfall, covering with mats, are 



amongst our cares ; until now, the ground is warm enough 



27 



