ii2 *fhe Flower Garden [Chapter 



The Pansy Bed 



TO obtain the best results seed should be sown by 

 the middle of August, using fresh seed of the 

 year if procurable. Rather than delay planting, 

 however, it is better to risk the lessened vitality 

 of last year's seed sowing somewhat more gener- 

 ously as an offset. Sow as thinly as possible in the 

 cold-frame or a spent hotbed, in drills two inches 

 apart, drawing the earth from the sides of the drills 

 and pressing it down with the board. The drills 

 should run lengthwise of the bed from east to west, 

 and each variety should be distinctly labelled with 

 name and date of sowing. After sowing water well 

 with the rubber sprinkler, cover with newspapers, 

 and protect the bed with lath screens. Pansy seed 

 germinates in from eight to ten days. When the 

 plants have their second leaves thin out by setting 

 some between the rows, and encourage growth by 

 giving sunshine and water as needed and liquid ma- 

 nure once a month. The aim should be to get a sturdy 

 rather than a quick growth to fit them for the winter. 

 The soil in the frame should stand well above the soil 

 outside, and a trench or hole, filled with stone or 

 broken crockery, should be made in one corner, cor- 

 responding to the lowest level of the earth outside, 

 to carry off any surplus moisture that may gather in 

 the bed. When cold weather comes place the sash 

 in position and, if it remains steadily cold below 



