126 The Profitable Culture of Vegetables. 



for the time occupied is comparatively small, whilst the gain in 

 securing sturdy plants of even quality and possessing an abun- 

 dance of fibrous roots is great. 



The method practised in the French garden yields such 

 satisfactory results that it seems difficult to improve upon, 

 and is as follows : 



Pricking-out is done as soon as the seed leaves are large 

 enough to be taken between finger and thumb, or are fully 

 developed, with the first rough leaves just showing. The soil 

 in which the seedlings stand is loosened, then they are gently 

 drawn and laid side by side in a small heap on a piece of board 

 and carried to the nursery bed, the soil of which consists only 

 of finely-sifted old hot-bed manure, in a moist condition. In 

 this soil a hole is made with the first finger, or by a small 

 dibber about the size of the finger, but a little more tapered. 

 The seedling is taken by the leaves, and lowered into the hole 

 up to the leaves, care being taken that the roots are not turned 

 upward then the soil is gently pressed to the stem. These 

 tender seedlings require delicate handling, and must not be 

 bruised in any way. Only good strong seedlings are used, 

 sufficient seed having been sown to allow all weaklings to be 

 discarded. Shade from bright sunshine is given, but no water, 

 the moisture in the soil being sufficient until new roots are 

 formed. 



In some cases pricking-out is repeated a second and even a 

 third time, it being claimed that frequent transplanting hastens 

 maturity, improves the quality, and increases the fruitfulness 

 of the plants subjected to it. 



