24 VEGECULTURE 



necessary for a given space. In these days of penny and two 

 penny packets, stating the number of seeds therein, it is very 

 easy to judge the quantity required ; and it all depends upon 

 the sower whether a large or small amount is purchased. In 

 fact, much seed is wasted by sowing far too thickly. Sow the 

 seeds in sufficient numbers to compensate for losses, and no 

 more. 



The treatment of seedling plants from 'the time they peep 

 through the soil until they are able to take care of themselves 



as adults demands great care upon the part of the 

 Seedling cultivator, for a plant may be made or marred 

 Plants quite easily in the initial stages of its existence. 



Strong, continuous, steady growth must be main- 

 tained throughout the first few weeks of the career of any 

 seedling ; and vegetables are to the forefront in this respect. 

 Weakly, drawn, straggling growth is useless. Such conditions 

 are usually the outcome of a crowded seed-bed or seed-drill ; 

 and emphasizes the necessity for early and judicious thinning 

 out of all plants that cause a cramped situation, however fine- 

 looking they may be. There is a great timidity on the part 

 of many cultivators in dealing with the young plants the fear 

 of mistaking weeds for good plants, the possibility of selecting 

 for removal those that are really the best specimens, and a 

 general reluctance to interfere with what appears to be luxuriant 

 growth. But there must be no hesitation or reluctance where 

 crowded seedlings are concerned. Severe thinning need not 

 take place at the outset ; the gardener who is at all doubtful 

 of his ability to make a wise selection whilst the plants are very 

 young should first of all remove a few of the very crowded 

 seedlings, leaving the others a few days longer to show their 

 true colours. Then another thinning may be made, pulling 

 out all plants that do not appear to be growing so strongly as 

 their companions, as well as those that show any fault or have 

 become damaged. After this, there will be ample room for 

 the remainder to develop, and they may be allowed to attain 

 to a good size before the final selection and rejection is made. 

 The last thinning, of course, should leave the plants disposed 

 at a distance from each other to ensure ample space when they 

 have become full grown. 



All during these operations the use of the hoe and the drastic 

 removal of weeds is imperative. The latter operation, as well 

 as that of thinning out, is facilitated by being carried out after 

 a gentle shower of rain, or the application of water from the 



