344 FLOWERS ALL THE YEAR ROUND 



thriving condition. The careless gardener had better leave them 

 alone, for he is almost certain to wreck them at some stage in their 

 growth ; but there is no flower which gives a more abundant reward 

 for watchful attention. Fill the seed-pans or pots with a compost 

 which is rich, firm, and porous ; the last point is of great conse- 

 quence in helping to secure free drainage. Make the surface per- 

 fectly even, and whiten it with silver sand ; this answers the double 

 purpose of revealing the seed, and afterwards of showing when it is 

 sufficiently dusted over with fine soil. Whether or not this method 

 be adopted, the seed must be sown thinly and evenly, and as it is 

 exceedingly fine, the task is rather a delicate one. Sheets of glass 

 placed over the pans and turned daily will check rapid evaporation. 

 Place the pans in a moist shady spot, where the temperature is even, 

 and germination will take place in from seven to nine days, when the 

 glass must be promptly removed. Then comes a critical stage, and 

 a little neglect may result in the loss of past labour, and necessitate a 

 fresh start. Still keep the pans in some sheltered corner which can be 

 thoroughly shaded from the sun. This question of shade needs much 

 vigilance. So also does the supply of water, which must not be 

 rudely administered, but rather by frequent gentle sprinklings. On 

 the appearance of the second leaf, promptly prick off the seedlings in 

 carefully prepared pots, allowing about two inches between each. 

 They will need dexterous manipulation because of their small size, 

 but a skilful hand will transfer them without injury, and perhaps with 

 a little soil adhering to the roots. As all the seedlings will not be 

 ready at one time, it will probably require about three operations to 

 clear the seed-pans, and the early removals should be so made as to 

 avoid injuring the remainder. Retain them in a sheltered position, and 

 continue the attention as to shade and watering. In about a month 

 the plants will be ready for thumb pots. 



CANNA. In the mixed border, and also in the sub-tropical garden, 

 Cannas are much valued for the exceeding grace and beauty of their 

 foliage. They should be put into very rich soil ; and, like all other 

 plants of rapid growth, they will need copious supplies of water in dry 

 weather. Most of the varieties grown in this country reach the height 

 of about four feet, but C. gigantea major will, if well treated, attain 

 the magnificent proportions of seven feet. In mild districts and 

 on dry soils the plants may remain out all the winter, under the 

 protection of a heap of ashes. But as a rule it will be necessary to 

 store them in frames until spring ; and they may be finer in the 

 second than in the first season. 



