ANNUAL FLOWER SEEDS. 141 



The next, and perhaps the most important consideration, 

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

 In order to obtain 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 

 particle. 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 corne, 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." 



A mellow loam, which is a medium earth between the 

 extremes of clay and sand, enriched with pulverized manure 

 or compost, is adapted to the generality of flowering 

 plants ; ground however of a boggy nature, composed of 

 black earth, decayed leaves, &c., and in a low situation, 

 is essential to the luxuriant growth of amphibious plants, 

 as Water Lilies, Iris, Lobelia, and the like, but as the 

 cultivator has not always a choice, he may select such 

 plants only, as are most congenial to his peculiar soil and 

 situation. 



Previous to digging flower beds or borders, care must be 

 taken that they be so arranged as to lay rather highest in 

 the middle; this is essential to the draining off a redun- 

 dancy of water, as well as to the exhibition of plants to the 

 greatest possible advantage. 



All kinds of annual flower seeds may be sown in the 

 month of April and May, op borders or beds of pulverized 

 earth ; the beds should be levelled, and the seeds sown 

 either in small patches, each kind by itself, or in drills from 

 an eighth to half an inch deep, according to the size or 

 nature of the seed. Lupins, Peas, <fcc., should be planted 

 about half an inch deep. Those who would have their plants 

 to flower early, should sow the hardy kinds the last week in 

 March, or early in April. Those varieties marked thus |, 

 and thus may be sown in boxes, or pots of light earth, at 

 the same time. These, if exposed to the sun every day, and 



