vantage of growing from the start in the same atmos- 

 pheric conditions, and does not suffer the violent 

 change from the moist, warm air of the greenhouse 

 into the dryer, more uneven temperature of the living- 

 room. 



By sowing seed one obtains a number of plants with 

 the same season of bloom, making a finer appearance 

 than mixed plants blooming at different times. A half 

 dozen Cinerarias or Calceolarias in full bloom is a 

 sight to gladden the heart of the gardener. 



In giving the following cultural details I have 

 selected those seeds which are always carried in stock 

 and may be depended upon to give good results in the 

 hands of the amateur. Unless some one particular 

 colour or marking is desired it is better to purchase 

 the mixed seed selecting always the finest, or "extra 

 choice mixed," which will also be the highest priced. 

 Never buy cheap seed for house-plants. Exception 

 may, perhaps, be made in the case of Primroses, which 

 are more inclined to come true, and it is, for this 

 reason, better to purchase any particular colours one 

 may wish in separate packets. Some seedsmen now 

 put up expensive seeds in whole and half-sized packets, 

 and the half packets will usually give all the plants 

 needed of one kind. The mystery of tint and colour, 

 only to be revealed at blossom time, is one of the 

 greatest charms of growing mixed seedlings. 



The Abutilons, or Flowering Maples, if set going 

 any time before April will flower the same season. 



