CROPS FOR PEED, SILOING, ETC. 247 



things and many others aid us in having fine vegetables 

 during the summer season and do no harm in winter. 

 Scatter the mulch an inch or two in depth around the 

 crops. It keeps in the moisture, keeps the surface from 

 packing, and keeps the land clean and cool. Water- 

 sprinkling without mulching is like labour in vain ; but the 

 effects of water upon mulch are decidedly beneficial. 



Sowing Garden Seeds. Whether for vegetables or 

 flowers, the old rule, to cover the seed with its own 

 thickness of soil, is still about the best 

 guide to anyone in doubt as to the 

 depth of covering material for seeds. 

 Loose vegetable stuff makes the best 

 covering. Onions for instance do best 

 if sown on the surface, or on a shallow 

 ridge slightly higher than the ground 

 level, and then to sow on the ridge, by 

 making a slight mark if in drills, or if in 



Makil for s e whT 8 Firm k 6 ^ 8 ky sowing on the surface, raking 

 gently and regularly in and covering 

 with short manure stuff. Most seeds do better when 

 the ground is made firm by rolling or treading before 

 sowing. Generally sowing in drills is the most satisfac- 

 tory and economical, being much easier kept free from 

 weeds and stirred between the rows. The usual plan is to 

 mark out with a drill marker several at a time ; or, on a 

 small scale by cutting a notch in middle of the end of the 

 rake and stretching a line, and then pressing the rake handle 

 along the line. Turnips and onions only require slight 

 pressure, carrots and parsnips a little heavier. Very neat 

 work can be done in this manner. Larger seeds, as peas 

 and beans, &c., can be sown in drills opened by a spade or 

 hoe. On sandy soil, treading the seed in firmly is 

 generally beneficial. The distance the drills should be 

 apart, is a matter to be decided by the condition of the soil 

 as to richness and the height the crop will grow to, about 

 the same distance apart as the height of the plant is usually 

 rifht. We can have the drills well apart and the plants 

 closer in the row where space is valuable ; but if plenty of 

 room is available, it is best to err on the side of abundance 



