WINDOW FLOWEKS 89 



case of many plants, seeds will give much finer specimens 

 than cuttings. 



All seed should be sown in well-drained, shallow boxes or 

 pans. Use sandy soil which has been passed through a fine 

 sieve. 



Smooth the surface carefully; sow the seed and gently 

 firm the soil with the hand or a piece of board. All such 

 seeds as those of geranium, mignonette, asters, chrysanthe- 

 mums, should have a light covering of soil sieved over them ; 

 just enough to cover is all that is required. 



Very fine seed, such as that of begonias and tydeas, 

 should be sown and firmed as directed above, but no after 

 covering should be given. Place a piece of blotting paper 

 or soft carpet paper directly upon the earth and water it 

 through this paper, which should be removed as soon as 

 the seeds germinate. Remove the seedlings, and plant 

 them in separate pots or boxes as soon as they have from 

 four to six leaves. 



The following plants may be grown with ease by observ- 

 ing the above precautions : Geraniums, oxalis, cinerarias, 

 abutilons, chrysanthemums, coleus, cyclamen (Alpine vio- 

 let), amaryllis, freesias, and callas. 



If the seedlings or cuttings should be attacked by moulds, 

 the following treatment is recommended : 



(a) Dry the plants, leaving just enough moisture to pre- 

 vent withering; (6) water in the morning only ; (c) lower the 

 temperature to the minimum necessary for growth; (d) give 

 plenty of fresh air and sunshine ; (e) sprinkle over the soil 

 equal parts of finely powdered sand and flowers of sulphur. 



Flowers of sulphur can be bought in any drug store. 



If you are interested in the raising of trees, shrubbery, and flowers, 

 see Bulletin No. 34, Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station. Article : 

 Home Propagation. 



Which of our domestic animals do you consider the most intelligent ? 



