44 A HOME VEGETABLE-GARDEN 



contact with each other and with the seeds. A 

 regular little bucket line is thus formed, and the 

 water from the lower soil is passed along to the 

 seeds. Whether soil is firmed or not makes a 

 difference of several days in germination, espe- 

 cially in dry clear weather. Do more than give 

 the hill a pat with the hoe. Step on it or walk 

 straight down the row with even pressure. Some- 

 times, after compacting, the surface soil may be- 

 gin to bake, as the dry heat or the cool breeze 

 passes over, contracting the surface. Tiny fissures 

 then appear, sometimes even before the seeds start, 

 This same bucket line, only another name for 

 capillary attraction, which furnished the water to 

 the seeds, is sending it on, past the seeds, through 

 the surface layer into the clear air. The moisture 

 is now evaporating. There is no danger of this 

 difficulty in damp heavy weather; but look out 

 when the air is drier and clearer than the soil, or 

 when there is a cold breeze, or after a heavy 

 pounding shower. As the surface bakes and 

 cracks, the seeds dry out and much of our care 

 and labor are for naught. Go along the row and 

 gently tap the soil or just barely scratch the sur- 

 face with the hook or sprinkle on a little fine soil. 

 Toss a hoeful of the fine earth over the hills. The 

 dust mulch thus formed keeps the moisture where 

 it belongs, around the seed. 



