VITALITY OF SEEDS. 31 



off, which may be done with a sharp jDointed pen-knife ; 

 but this is a tedious process when many seeds are to be 

 planted. I find no difficulty without removing this coating 

 or without scalding the seeds mentioned, if pots of the 

 seeds are plunged in a hot-bed, where there is a powerful 

 heat ; they will start in a week or less, according to the de- 

 gree of heat, but great caution must be observed as soon 

 as the plants appear, to see that they have plenty of air, 

 or they will surely be destroyed. 



It is impossible to give directions for planting seeds, 

 that Avill be aj^pli cable to all soils, situations, or seasons ; 

 but judgment, discretion and care must be exercised un- 

 der all circumstances to ensure success. Plants, long prop- 

 agated by cuttings, lose their power to produce seeds. 

 This is the case with many fine perennial plants, with 

 double or single flowers, that have been propagated by 

 divisions of the roots, as well as by cuttings. 



It is a great disappointment and vexation, to find, after 

 you have made am^^le ^^reparations, and j^lanted your seed, 

 that it was worthless, your labor all lost, and probably too 

 late in the season to make trial of other seed. Perhaps 

 the following hints may remind one of the imj^ortance of 

 beginning right. 



" To raise your flowers, various arts combine, 

 Study these well, and fancy's flight decline ; 

 If you would have a vivid, vigorous breed, 

 Of every kind, examine well the seed ; 

 Learn to what elements your plan's belong, 

 What is their constitution, weak or strong ; 

 Be their physician, careful of their lives. 

 And see that every species daily thrives ; 

 These love much air these on much earth rely, 

 These, without constant warmth, decay and die; 

 Supply the wants of each, and they will pay 

 For all your care through each succeeding day." 



