THE FLOWER GARDEN. 621 



varieties in such a manner as to produce a pleasing effect. 

 Half-hardy annuals are those species that flower and ripen 

 their seed in the open air, but need the assistance of artificial 

 heat in the earlier stages of their growth. They should be 

 sown in a hot-bed, or in pots in a greenhouse, or else placed 

 in a sunny window. Keep them shaded, which will prevent 

 absorption by rays of the sun and the necessity of frequent 

 watering, which bakes the soil and is very injurious to seeds 

 of slow growth. By the middle or end of May, many of the 

 seedlings will be ready for transplanting ; but, previous to this, 

 expose them to the open air, both night and day, that they may 

 become accustomed to their new life. 



Biennials are those plants which do not generally flower the 

 first year, and are only perfect one season. Perennials flower 

 several years in succession. Seed should be sown when the 

 soil is moist, but not wet, from the first of April till August. 

 The hardy kind may be raised in the open ground, like hardy 

 annuals, but the tender kind should be sown in a hot-house, as 

 directed for half-hardy annuals. They do not bloom the first 

 year, and may be removed or thinned out from the seed-bed, 

 as soon as well rooted, and planted in different parts of the 

 garden, or in nursery beds, in rows one foot apart. The tender 

 biennials must be kept during the winter in a greenhouse or 

 dry cellar, and the tender perennials must be protected by a 

 covering fastened around them, and afterwards spread over 

 with leaves. 



A hot-bed is a necessity, without the aid of which many of 

 our choicest and most beautiful flowers cannot be successfully 

 grown and brought to perfection. It is a work that requires 

 experience, and no doubt disappointments will occur. But 

 with care in transplanting, sheltering, and selecting the young 

 plants, very desirable results will follow in time. An inexpen- 

 sive hot-bed may be made in the following manner : Select the 

 south side of a shed or board fence, as this location will in- 

 crease the heat and protect from winds. Make a box or frame 

 of boards two feet high on the side that is to face the south, 

 and one and one-half feet higher on the opposite side. Fill the 

 frame with nearly fresh manure from a horse stable, to the 

 depth of one and one-half feet. Fit sashes to the top, with 



