613 HOW TO MAKE THE FARM PAT. 



in regard to depth of planting all seeds, but the very small 

 seeds should be sown on the surface, and a little finely pulver- 

 ized earth sifted over them, and pressed gently with a board. 

 Seeds of the size of the cockscomb and amaranth should be 

 planted a little deeper ; balsams, asters, etc., from one quarter 

 to a half an inch in depth ; sweet peas, four o'clocks, lupins, 

 morning glories, etc., from one half to one inch deep. The 

 ground should be kept moist by light sprinklings, and as soon 

 as the tender plants appear they should be shaded from the 

 direct rays of the midday sun until they are well rooted. All 

 plants should be kept clear of weeds, and the ground frequently 

 stirred about their roots. First on the list of flowers stands the 

 rose. To produce the most perfect roses prepare a trench, or, 

 if for one vine, a hole two and a half feet deep, filling the 

 bottom with broken bricks, crockery, etc., for drainage, and the 

 balance with an even mixture of earth and manure. Roses 

 are best planted in the fall, but as far north as the New 

 England States the planting of all tender varieties must be 

 delayed until spring. New plants are procured by layering, as 

 directed for the grape, or by cuttings ; or, as in many cases, b}' 

 taking up and dividing the roots of a growing plant. In plant 

 ing the nicest care should be observed in placing the roots. 

 When planted in the fall they will usually be benefited by a 

 winter covering of leaves or stable litt,er. Cut out all old and 

 decaying wood in the spring. One gardener of our acquaintance 

 recommends two hundred different varieties of the rose for 

 general cultivation. The only remark we shall make in regard 

 to selection, is, select a succession of varieties that will bloom 

 through several months, and, as far as may be, select different 

 colors; from that most beautiful of all roses, the white rose, to 

 the dark, purple, sometimes called the black rose. The flowering 

 \lmond i<3 a Jiardy shrub, loaded in blossoming time with pretty 



