222 



SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENS 



are kinds of seeds. Sow them so that there are about 

 half a dozen per square inch, and press them down evenly 

 into the soil with a flat piece of board. Place a label for 

 each kind on the side of the box. Sift soil on the seeds to 

 cover them to a depth of about two or three times their 

 own thickness. A sieve for this purpose may be made by 



taking the bottom out 

 of a small box and tack- 

 ing on wire netting with 

 a mesh about the size 

 of that used for door 

 screens. Press down the 

 soil just enough to make 

 it smooth. Place over 

 it a single layer of 

 cheesecloth, and water 

 the seeds by sprinkling 

 water on the cloth. The 

 box may then be cov- 

 ered with glass until the 



seeds come up. If the seed bed becomes too moist, the 

 glass must be raised slightly to admit air, which will 

 absorb the drops of water collected on the under sur- 

 face. A glass cover like that shown in Fig. 118 is 

 very useful for small germinating seeds. The seedlings 

 may remain under it until they have attained consider- 

 able size. 



The seed boxes should be kept in a very warm place 

 near a stove or radiator for two or three days after 



FIG. 124. Watering Small Seeds 



