ASTER 21 5 



light a trifle open. When the thermometer indicates 60, draw drills 

 at six inches apart ; sow the seed and cover with a little sifted soil. 

 The light had better not be quite closed, in case of a rise of tem- 

 perature. As the plants thrive, gradually give more air, until, in April, 

 the showers may be allowed to fall directly upon them in the daytime. 

 When the Asters are about three inches high, they will be quite ready 

 for the open ground, and a showery day best suits the transfer." After 

 the bed has served its purpose, the manure will be in capital condi- 

 tion for enriching the garden. 



In the event of there being no frame to spare, drive a stake into 

 each corner of the bed. Connect the tops of the stakes, about one 

 foot from the surface of the bed, with four rods securely tied, and 

 upon these place other rods, over and around which any protecting 

 material at command may be used. With this simple contrivance it 

 is quite possible to grow Asters in a satisfactory manner. 



The finest Asters are frequently grown in the open air, entirely 

 without the aid of artificial heat, and indeed without any of the 

 usual horticultural appliances. Those who possess the best possible 

 resources will find additional advantage in resorting also to this 

 mode of culture. It gives another string to the bow, and prolongs 

 the seasoning of flowering. For open-air sowings in April, make the 

 soil level and fine, and about the middle of that month draw drills 

 three inches deep. In these place an inch of finely prepared rich 

 soil, and if it is largely mixed with ashes from a smother, so much 

 the better. The distance between the drills should be regulated 

 by the variety. For tall-growing sorts, such as Giant French or 

 Victoria, twelve to fifteen inches between the rows will not be too 

 much. Ten inches will suffice for the dwarfs. Sow the seed thinly 

 and evenly, and cover carefully with fine soil. Commence early to 

 thin the plants, always leaving the strongest, and do this so that 

 finally they will be left at from eight to fifteen inches apart according 

 to the sort. 



Keep the ground clean, and before the flowering stage is reached, 

 gently stir the surface, but not deep enough to injure the roots. A 

 thick top dressing of well-decayed manure operates beneficially in 

 keeping the surface cool and moist, and it also promotes the growth 

 of the plant. On no account use fresh manure, or in a few days the 

 plants will look scorched. In that case further trouble will be wasted, 

 and they may as well be destroyed at once. An occasional applica- 

 tion of weak manure water will be advantageous, but it must not be 

 allowed to touch the foliage. 



