no GARDENING 



to raise them by means of cuttings or layers, but 

 vegetables especially are better increased by this 

 means than in any other way. 



A moderately free or light, porous, and yet fairly 

 rich soil is most necessary for successful germina- 

 tion. The primary root of any seedling is very 

 delicate, and the future vigour of the plant depends 

 upon its strength and healthiness. If it strikes 

 down deeply and easily into a free, rich, yet sweet 

 moist soil bed, the young plant will flourish, but if 

 checked in any form it will become unhealthy. 

 The soil for seed-sowing must be mellow and fairly 

 light for the young roots to penetrate it, porous to 

 admit air to the feeding points, and rich, yet sweet 

 to give enough nourishment to keep the seedling 

 going. 



A moderate degree of moisture and a suitable 

 temperature are necessary conditions. 



SPARROWS 



These are very destructive in most gardens, and 

 if a few oats are scattered on a piece of ground and 

 where limed twigs are placed they can be caught ; 

 but the most humane way is to stretch black cotton 

 backwards and forwards just above or at the side 

 of any special plants, for then the birds catch their 

 legs against the thread, which frightens them. 



INSECT PESTS 



Rich earth is often the cause of wireworms, and 

 grubs, and common slugs, who revel in good soil. 

 The best plan for the destruction of the wireworms 



