HOT-BEDS, COLD FRAMES, AND WEATHEB. 71 



from recent rain; for if rain does not follow, the seeds 

 may perish after germination has merely commenced; or 

 the lower soil may be too dry a little later to supply the 

 young root with sufficient moisture. Should soaked 

 seed be sown under such conditions, in the hope of assist- 

 ing germination, the dry soil may absorb the moisture 

 from the swollen seed, and probably the vitality of all be 

 destroyed. At whatever depth the seeds are sown, the 

 soil should have been carefully broken up or "fined" be- 

 fore sowing, using the harrow, roller, and rake, as cir- 

 cumstances may require. After the seeds are sown, the 

 surface should be rolled, in order to bring the soil in 

 close contact with the seed. Where the seed-bed is 

 small, the same end is accomplished, if the soil is 

 "firmed" by patting it with the back of the spade. 

 Mr. Henderson strongly advocates the use of the feet to 

 bring the soil in contact with the seeds, or " treading 

 in," as it is called. A person passes over the line of the 

 drill, and tramps or presses the soil down with his feet. 

 This is a method practised by some, but I have never 

 seen that it had any advantage over the even pressure of 

 the roller. 



CHAPTER VII. 



HOT-BEDS, COLD FRAMES, AND WEATHER. 



Seneca and Pliny inform us, that the Romans attempted 

 the forcing of vegetables by means of artificial heat, 

 using thin plates of talc or mica in lieu of glass. As a 

 rule, the first vegetables and fruit of a season bring the 

 best prices, and the grower is prompted to use all availa- 

 ble means to push forward his crops to early maturity. 

 Florida, being more exempt from frosts than other States, 



