20 GENERAL REMARKS. 



In explication of the table, it may be necessary first to 

 premise, that in the classification, as respects different seeda 

 germinating, it is conceded that if some of those denomi- 

 nated medium were put upon an equal footing with some of 

 the class denominated quick-growing, they would vegetate in 

 about the same time. For instance, Peas would sprout as 

 quick as Kidney Beans in equal temperature ; but Peas, 

 being hardy, are generally planted a month earlier in the 

 season. If Beans were planted at the same time, they would 

 rot for want of genial heat necessary to their germinating. 

 Many of the species denominated medium and tardy, 

 require considerable moisture to produce vegetation ; when 

 not attainable, tardiness of growth, and sometimes total 

 failure, are the consequence ; judicious gardeners, however, 

 generally obviate difficulties of this nature, by sowing such 

 seeds at the most favourable seasons. Those who delay 

 sowing Carrot, Celery, Leek, Parsley, Onion, Parsnip, 

 Spinach, &c. until dry summer weather, render themselves 

 liable to disappointment and loss thereby. 



As some gardeners are apt to attribute all failures of seed 

 to its defectiveness, I shall, in the hope of convincing such 

 of their error, offer a few observations under each head of 

 the table. 



The first and second classes, denominated hardy and half 

 hardy, are subjected to risk in unpropitious seasons, from 

 unfitness of the soil to promote vegetation, rendered so by 

 cold rains and variable weather. If sprouted seed survive 

 a severe chill, it is the more susceptible of frost, to which it 

 is frequently subjected early in the season. Some species 

 of plants that in an advanced stage of growth will stand a 

 hard winter, are often cut off" by very slight frost while 

 germinating, especially if exposed to heat of the sun after 

 a frosty night, or while in a frozen state. Cabbage, Carrot, 

 Celery, Turnip, and many other growing plants, which 

 survive the ordinary winters of England, are here classed 

 as half hardy, fur the reasons above stated. 



The third class, or most tender species, frequently perish 



