SEED SOWING SUGGESTIONS 27 



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nearly all this debility has passed; the same is true of cinerarias. 

 Of late years antirrhinums have advanced tremendously in popu- 

 larity both as an indoor and outdoor plant. Under glass it has been 

 clearly proven that seedlings are more vigorous, more floriferous, 

 and vastly more disease resistant than plants raised from cuttings. 

 Amongst vegetables there is simply no comparison in the vigor of 

 tomatoes and cucumbers propagated from cuttings as compared 

 with seedlings. Cuttings we know will always be necessary to 

 secure fixed types of many plants, but seeds are and will be the 

 principal means whereby plants of the majority of garden plants are 

 to be propagated and perpetuated. 



I must admit that I have omitted mention of a whole host of 

 plants which can be raised from seeds, but this lecture has its 

 limitations and I would not like to try the patience of my audience 

 too much. To those about to purchase seeds I would say secure 

 the best, as they prove to be the cheapest in the end. Do not 

 trust too much to free seeds from Washington; a large percentage 

 of these are old and inferior varieties. Free seed distribution would 

 be a decided benefit if small sample packets of new, choice, and 

 really desirable varieties were sent out to be tested, but as at present 

 carried out, free seed distribution has little to recommend it, apart 

 from benefits which may accrue to certain congressmen and their 

 constituents, and the practice has for years been condemned by 

 practically all horticultural and agricultural periodicals and bodies 

 in iVmerica. 



For past improvements in garden plants we owe debts of gratitude 

 to many untiring specialists, and their continued efforts will still 

 further benefit us. Finality is unattainable in the plant world and 

 this adds a wondrous charm to horticulture. Novelties we are 

 getting year by year are ever welcome and should always be given 

 a fair trial. Do not condemn novelties after one season's test; 

 frequently a second year may greatly improve them. We must 

 continue to depend for our supplies on tried and tested varieties 

 which experience has taught us will succeed best in our special 

 soils and gardens. By growing good varieties, growing them as well 

 as we can, and adding novelties as they appear, we will have not 

 only good produce in abundance but our gardens will year by year 

 furnish new points to attract and enthuse us. 



