ON THE SEED. 249 



Emily. But when the germination of the seed is com- 

 pleted, and the roots shoot out in search of food, some 

 provision should be made for them. 



Mrs. B. If the earth contained in the pots consists of 

 rich garden-mould, it will afford a sufficiency. When land 

 is manured for grain, the seed derives no advantage from 

 it : the embryo plant is nourished by the albumen ; and it 

 is not till the roots have acquired some consistence and 

 vigor that they begin to supply the plant with food from 

 the soil. 



You must observe that it is necessary to cover the hole, 

 which is made at the bottom of all garden-pots, with a 

 small piece of tile ; and it is proper, also, to place a sec- 

 ond piece, of larger dimensions, over the first, in order 

 effectually to prevent the too rapid filtration of water. 

 Care must be taken to keep the earth light and loose over 

 seeds which are germinating ; for if the soil be calcareous 

 in drying, after being watered, a crust frequently forms on 

 the surface, through which the slender stem cannot pen- 

 etrate, and the young plant is thus literally buried alive. 

 The surface of the mould must, therefore, be kept scratch- 

 ed or raked, to prevent this crust from forming ; or to pul- 

 verise it, if the evil has already taken place. 



Shallow wooden boxes are frequently used, instead of 

 pots, for the purpose of sowing seeds : they have the ad- 

 vantage of affording them more space. 



When plants have so far increased in size as to require 

 transplantation, they should not be pulled up by the roots, 

 but the whole clod of earth be carefully shaken out of the 

 pot at once, and then gently divided into parts, so as to run 

 no risk of wounding the fibrous extremities of the roots 

 in separating them from the earth which surrounds them. 



Emily. I have observed that, in transplanting them, 

 the gardener uses a pointed instrument to make a hole 

 in the ground, and afford room for the roots of the young 

 plant. 



Mrs. B. This is exactly the reverse of ploughing : it 

 makes an opening to receive the young plant, no doubt, 



1359. Why is not manure needed for the embryo plant 1 ? 1360. 

 Why should the opening at the bottom of flower pots be covered 1361. 

 Why should the earth be kept light and loose over seeds which are 

 germinating! 1362. What advantage have shallow wooden boxes 

 over pots! 1363. When plants are to be transplanted how should it 

 be done'! 



