21 



ilie best plants only, — tlio.'se which are hedth y, and 

 ha\'e tlien* peculiar characteristics most perfectly de- 

 veloped. To insure earliness, only the most forward 

 })lants should be taken." Plant them out in rich soil, 

 and if the weather becomes very dry, a moderate wat- 

 ering should be given. When the seed stocks have 

 become long and heavy, they should be tied to a stake 

 with bass matting, to stay them and preserve them 

 during severe vfinds. As the seed ripens gather with- 

 out unnecessary delay, otherv/ise the seed will be scat- 

 tered upon the ground. Select only the finest look- 

 ing pods. In this way your varieties may be improv- 

 ed. Having perfectly dried them in some shady place, 

 thresh out the seed and winnow the chaff and poor or 

 defective seed away, then pack in paper bags and put 

 them in some dry and cool place to remain until wan- 

 ted. Each bag should be labeled with the name and 

 when raised^ thus: "Early American Cauliflower, 1852." 



The vitality of ^eeci with good care can be depended 

 upon for the following periods: — 



Carrots, Parsnips, Rhubarb and other thin scaly 

 seeds,— for one year. 



Balm, Basil, Beans, Cress, Lavender, Leeks, Qmons, 

 Peppers, Peas, Savory, Sage, Salsify, Tomato, Thyme, 

 and small herb seed, — for two years. 



Asparagus, Egg-plant, Indian Corn, Lettuce, Mar- 

 joram, Mustard, Parsley, and Spinach, ^ovthree.year$* 



Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, 

 Radish, Sea-Kale, and Turnip, {ov four years. 



Beet, Celery, Cuciunber, Melon, Pumpkin, and 

 Squash, fvomfive to ten years. 



Early Plants. — There are several vegetables, which, 

 owing to the shortness of our Spring and Summer, 

 cannot be successfully raised if planted in the open 

 ground. It is desirable, therefore, to have early 

 plants. A cheap way to obtain them, is, to plant seed 

 in a flower-pot and set them in a warm kitchen .win- 

 dow, where they will have the benefit of the sun.— 

 By giving the plants suflicient light and fresh air, you 



