22 ANNUAL FLOWER SEED. 



can obtain such additional sorts as may be desired at the 

 different seed stores, under their various names. 



Previous to providing annual flower seed, the cultivator 

 should lay out a plan of his garden, and in making allotments 

 of ground for any particular purpose, provision should be 

 made for a select assortment of such bulbous, tuberous, and 

 perennial plants, as may be deemed most worthy of attention, 

 not forgetting to leave room for some of the choicest varieties 

 of the Dahlia, the qualities of which will be described hereafter. 



Another consideration is, to have at hand suitable imple- 

 ments, so that the work may be performed in a skillful man 

 ner, and at the proper season. A spade, rake, hoe, trowel, 

 drilling machine, and pruning knife, may be deemed essen 

 tial ; and in order to have the beds laid out, with the edges 

 straight and even, a garden line should be in readiness. If 

 labels should be required, they may be made of shingles, 

 which being split into strips about an inch wide, and sharp- 

 ened at one end, will serve for marking distinct kinds, either 

 in pots, or on the borders. In order to have the names or 

 numbers written in legible characters, the labels should be 

 painted on the smooth side with white lead, and then marked 

 with a black lead pencil before the paint gets dry j inscrip- 

 tions made in this way will be as durable as the label itself. 



The next, and perhaps the most important consideration, 

 is, to have the ground in good condition to receive the seed. 

 In order to attain this desirable object, let some good rich 

 compost, or very old manure, be provided and well mixed 

 with the soil ; dig it a full spit deep, pulverizing every parti- 

 cle. It would be an advantage if the ground could be dug 

 to a great depth at the clearing up of winter, and then again 

 at the period of sowing seed in the Spring : 



** I come, I come ye have called me long 

 I come o'er the mountains with light and song! 

 Ye may trace my steps o'er the wakening earth, 

 By the winds which tell of the Violet's birth, 

 By the Primrose-stars in the shadowy grass, 

 By the green leaves opening as I pass." 



