70 



VEGETABLE GARDEN IN a 



Protection to newly planted seeds against insects and 

 birds may often be given by slightly moistening them and 

 then stirring in red lead until all the seeds are thoroughly 

 coated. The seed should be dried before sowing. 



Crows and gophers may be kept from eating corn by 

 coating it with coal tar, as follows: Wet the corn with 

 hot water and drain off all surplus. Spread it out 

 about four inches deep on the floor of a warm room and 

 sprinkle it with hot coal tar, using about a tablespoonful 

 to a half bushel of corn, and stir thoroughly until every 

 kernel has a thin coat of tar on it. Then dry the corn by 

 coating it with dry ground plaster or other fine absorbent. 

 This treatment does not seem to hinder germination. 



TRANSPLANTING 



Transplanting. Theoretically transplanting is harm- 

 ful to plants, in that it stops their growth and sets them 

 back. It is performed with more or less difficulty on ac- 

 count of periods of drought that may occur at the time 



Fig. 22. A box of young lettuce plants after being transplanted from 

 the seed-box. These plants may be moved to the open ground or to hotbeds 

 or cold frames as soon as they crowd one another. This is a convenient way 

 to grow plants in dwelling houses and in front of windows. This style of box 

 is often referred to as a "flat." 



