274 STUDIES IN GARDENING 



from seed consists in the chances of getting some 

 fine new variety, chances which exist for the humble 

 amateur as well as for the great florist. Many of the 

 most beautiful modern novelties have been produced 

 by amateurs without large trial grounds or even large 

 gardens; and if it were a common practice for ama- 

 teurs to raise perennials from seed, no doubt the num- 

 ber of fine novelties would be greatly increased. Again, 

 the amateur, if he raises his own plants, can consult 

 his own taste and aim at his own ideal in the case of 

 those plants, such as Larkspurs and Columbines, 

 which vary much from seed. Many of these can be 

 developed without any skill in hybridizing and merely 

 by the selection of seed from those varieties which 

 are most to the gardener's taste. The gardener who 

 is in the habit of raising perennials from seed will 

 look into every garden with a curious eye, and if, as 

 very often happens, he sees an unusually fine variety 

 of some plant, he can beg a little seed of it without 

 misgiving. No one minds giving seed, at least no true 

 gardener, unless it be from a plant so precious that 

 every seed must be treasured; and the gift of seed 

 can always be repaid with a plant or two a few months 

 later. Then the gardener may choose some particular 

 plant to develop in this way; and if he chooses dis- 

 creetly and proceeds systematically he may do wonders 

 in a few years without occupying much ground or 

 taking very much trouble. A great number of peren- 

 nials, if the seed is sown as soon as ripe, will flower 

 the next year. Some, if the seed is sown in early 



