DIFFEEE^T MODES OF CULTIVATION. 37 



fine condition for insuring a vigorous growth of plants. 

 Old beds, however, are usually more likely to be infested 

 by noxious insects than new ones, in addition to weeds s 

 such as white clover, which are difficult to eradicate 

 without disturbing the roots of the plants. 



Planting. The surface of the bed or field to be 

 planted should be made smooth, level and free from 

 lumps and stones. If it is uneven and there are many 

 little hillocks and depressions, as are naturally left after 

 plowing, the plants will follow these undulating lines, 

 and some will be buried too deep and others have their 

 roots exposed after the first heavy shower. 



Always choose a cloudy day for planting, and it is far 

 better to heel the plants in for a few days and give them 

 a little water and shade than to set them out in dry 

 weather. Draw a line where you are to set a row of 

 plants, keeping it a few inches above the ground, so 

 that you may plant under it instead of along one side. 

 Use a transplanting trowel for making holes for the re- 

 ception of the roots, and these should be spread out 

 evenly in all directions, or spread apart, so that they 

 will lie against one side of the hole made with the trowel, 

 Cover the plants as deep as possible without covering the 

 crowns, and then press the soil down firmly around the 

 roots. Some cultivators use a small wooden dibbe-r for 

 planting, merely making a round hole in the soil into 

 which the roots are thrust all in a clump. Plants may 

 live under such treatment, but careful planting with a 

 trowel is far the best mode. If the weather should 

 prove dry after planting, watering will, of course, be 

 beneficial ; but is only practicable on a small scale, as in 

 gardens, or where it may be necessary to save some new 

 and choice variety. ' 



