320 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



be filled carefully and firmly so that the soil will not settle 

 after the seeds are sown ; and the surface should be per- 

 fectly level. The soil should be watered several hours be- 

 fore sowing the seeds, so that the surplus moisture may 

 drain off. Stir the soil, then scatter the seeds thinly and 

 evenly over it. Do not cover the seeds but fit a pane of 

 glass closely over the pan. The glass should be shaded 

 until the seedlings have germinated, requiring about 

 two weeks, when the glass should be removed carefully. 

 Water may be given by setting the pan in water for a few 

 minutes only. If the right proportion of leaf-mold, sand 

 and soil has been used, the surface soil will not crust over. 

 The seed-pan is next placed in a frame. When the seed- 

 lings have formed their third leaf, they should be pricked 

 off into pans or shallow flats, putting them one inch apart. 

 The compost should be similar to that used for seeds. As 

 soon as plants appear crowded they should be potted into 

 thumb pots. Add to the soil mixture one-sixth part of 

 dried, sifted cow manure for this potting. The plants 

 should be re-potted occasionally to avoid becpming pot- 

 bound, until well established in seven-inch pots, when 

 they will begin to flower. The flowers will be better if the 

 plants are slightly pot-bound. The plants should be 

 kept in an airy house of northern exposure during the sum- 

 mer, and the day temperature should be as nearly 50 as 

 possible. If the temperature goes to 65 or 70 even once, 

 the crop may be seriously injured. Partial shade should 

 be given, enough light being required to prevent the 

 plants from spindling. They should have plenty of air, 

 and all accumulation of water on the foliage should be 

 avoided. When the flower buds begin to form, a weak 

 manure water should be given about once a week. They 

 should be kept in a moderately dry atmosphere, particu- 



