612 THE farmers' handbook. 



Keep the teds moist, but not wet, until the plants are well established. 

 It is important that the beds should never be allowed to become dry on the 

 surface while the seed is germinating. After the plants have reached some 

 size it is better to thoroughly water occasionally — not too often, but 

 thoroughly when it is done. This will reduce the danger from mould. 



No fixed rule can be given for watering, but do not water beds which are 

 uncovered while the sun is at all strong. 



Transplanting. 



When the plants are from 6 to 8 inches in height and well hardened off, 

 they are ready for setting out. Plants which are stunted and yellow, and 

 which have long pointed leaves, should not be used. The best are those 

 which are most vigorous looking, and with shore, broad leaves. If the beds 

 are dry and hard they should receive a good soaking some little time before 

 the plants are drawn, as it is necessary that as little damage as possible to 

 the root system takes place, and the earth adhering to the plants should not 

 be interfered with more than can be helped. 



The best way to remove the plants is with a three-pronged fork. If the 

 tap-root is long, it should be trimmed off with a pair of scissors to about 

 2 inches. The less handling the plants have the better, and after they have 

 been drawn they should be placed, root downwards, in a cool place, and kept 

 covered with wet bags. Only the plants that can be set out on the same day 

 should be drawn at the one time. 



It may here be stated that where the aim of the grower is to produce a 

 fine-textured leaf, the plants should be set out close together, and although 

 past experience must be taken as a guide, it will generally be found that a 

 space of 2^ feet in rows 3 feet apart on light sandy loam will not induce 

 heavy growth and coarse texture. This distance of 3 feet between the rows 

 will allow of horse cultivation, and thus lessen labour. 



A simple and effective way to mark out the land is to attach four light 

 chains spaced 3 feet apart on a light pole with a handle, so that a man can 

 drag it behind him and walk in accordance with sighting poles fixed for that 

 purpose. 



The ideal weather for planting out is just before and during rain, so that 

 the roots of the plants may have very lif, tie check, and growth may be estab- 

 lished as soon as possible. Unfortunately, however, weather conditions do 

 not always suit the planter, and possibly owing to the lateness of the season 

 he is forced to set out during; dry w< ather. In this case holes should be 

 made and filled with water, and the plant carefully put in and the earth well 

 packed round the roots. Care should be taken that the roots are not 

 doubled up, and that the hole is properly filled with earth. A simple test is 

 to pull the tips of the two top leaves gently in an upward direction, and if 

 they break oft in the fingers they are right. Another methoa where irriga- 

 tion is not carried out, is to make a hole close to the plant and fill with 

 water, and then cover up to prevent evaporation. If the weather continues 

 hot after transplanting, the plants should be shaded with grass. Paper 

 folded in the shape of a tent and held down by two clods of earth is also very 

 effective. It may be necessary to water, and, if so, it is best done early in 

 the morning or about an hour before sundown. Plants which have struck 

 well usually start growing in about ten days, and the covering may be 

 removed. 



