'V MODERN PANSY CULTURE 163 



change into seed capsules you will soon have no 

 more, for every plant thinks it has done its 

 duty as soon as it has provided for the next 

 generation. That's one reason; the other is 

 that in the hands of nonprofessionals pansies 

 run down quickly in size, color, and all that 

 makes them lovely. Therefore, I repeat, plant 

 nothing but the most expensive seeds from the 

 most reliable firms. Don't balk at the price. 

 It takes twenty-five thousand seeds to make an 

 ounce; and the best, to say it again, are "shy 

 seeders." Let the artists — for artists they are — 

 who originate and raise the choicest varieties 

 have a reasonable profit. 



The best time to start pansy seeds is in August. 

 Plants bom in midsummer and well cared for 

 with plenty of water until the fierce heat abates, 

 grow big enough to bloom a month or so before 

 the snow comes to cover them. In spring these 

 same strong young plants burst into full bloom 

 as soon as the snow melts away, vying in earli- 

 ness with crocuses and Iceland poppies. 



The almost universal American habit of 

 letting pansy plants die in July or August is 

 deplorable. To be sure, the scorching sun mer- 

 cilessly diminishes their size if allowed to have 

 his way. But he can be thwarted. You can 

 keep your pansies big and fragrant and happy 

 all summer if you will. Three things are neces- 

 sary: frequent stirring of the soil, thorough 

 weeding, and daily watering. A little liquid 



