226 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 



CANNA 



Indian Shot. Ha If -hardy perennial 



THE popular name is descriptive of the seed, which is nearly round, 

 black, and so hard that it has been used instead of shot in the West 

 Indies. Hence it will occasion no surprise that there should be 

 some difficulty in raising it ; or that sometimes many weeks elapse 

 before the seedlings appear ; and then they generally straggle up one 

 or two at a time. Some growers file the seeds to facilitate germina- 

 tion, but we prefer to soak them in water for about twelve hours 

 before sowing. It is also advisable to record the number put in, so 

 that it may be known when they are all up. We find that as a rule 

 they germinate more rapidly in retentive than in porous soil. In 

 January start the seed in a rather strong heat, and as fast as the 

 seedlings become ready, transfer them singly to small pots. Cannas 

 do not make leaves rapidly in a young state, and it is useless to be 

 impatient with them ; if the plants are scorched they will take a 

 long time to recover. Besides, if they have been raised in reason- 

 able time, there really is no hurry, for they cannot be put out until 

 June. 



Cannas are exceedingly handsome in form and colour, and they 

 may prove useful for decorative purposes before the time arrives for 

 transferring them to the open ground. They vary in height from 

 four to seven feet, and stakes in proportion will have to be provided 

 for their safety. In warm districts, and in dry, sheltered situations, 

 they may be left in the open ground all the winter, under a covering 

 of ashes. But from a damp soil or an exposed garden they must be 

 lifted and stored in a frame through the cold months. 



CARNATION 



Dianthus Caryophyllusfl.pl. Hardy perennial 



THESE favourite flowers make a most satisfactory return when grown 

 from first-class seeds, and the saving of trouble is very great. The 

 proverb that what is worth doing is worth doing well, is peculiarly 

 exemplified in the cultivation of these bright and fragrant flowers, 

 the difference between the results of good and bad work being 

 immense, We therefore advise the preparation of a compost con- 



