102 The Flower Garden [Chapter 



Swanky Blue, and Little Dorrit are the best of this 

 class in the blue or lavender shades. The white 

 does not show a good, clear colour under a hot 

 sun, and is therefore not desirable. For early 

 plants sow in flats or in the hotbed early in spring. 

 Later seed may be sown in the open ground when 

 the trees are in bloom, and transplanted when large 

 enough. Sow broadcast, covering the seed lightly 

 and pressing it into the soil. They germinate in 

 from three to five days, and may be grown on until 

 time to transplant into permanent quarters. Though 

 they may start somewhat spindly, they quickly 

 regain their dwarf and stocky character in the open 

 ground. Set plants from eight to ten inches apart 

 in the row. If the flower heads are removed as fast 

 as they fade plants will bloom from early June until 

 cut down by frost. 



Balsams (Lady Slipper), like Asters, are greatly 

 benefited by frequent transplanting, and one at least 

 they must have. Start seed early in the hotbed or 

 flats, or later, when the trees are in bloom, in pro- 

 tected beds in the open ground. Transplant at least 

 once in the seed-beds; twice, if possible. When dan- 

 ger of frost is past remove to beds of muck or marsh 

 earth, setting from twelve to fifteen inches apart each 

 way. Given plenty of room, the Balsam branches 

 freely, and one well-developed specimen will give 

 more and finer flowers than a half-dozen cramped 

 specimens. In purchasing select the camellia-flowered 



