SEEDS AXD SEEDLINGS 



case of seeds planted in boxes the sawdust may be 

 used, but in most cases powdered moss may be 

 employed to better advantage. 



A thin layer of moss sifted over the seeds acts 

 as a non-conductive blanket, equalizing the tem- 

 perature and retaining moisture. 



A very thin layer of gravel or coarse sand may 

 be sprinkled over the moss to hold it in place. 

 This layer of gravel not only prevents the young 

 plants from being washed about, but also serves 

 as a barrier against the spread of fungous 

 growths should they subsequently attack any of 

 the seedlings. 



After the seeds are planted and covered in the 

 way just described, they should be watered not 

 by sprinkling the surface, but by placing the 

 boxes into a tub containing water of sufficient 

 depth to rise nearly or quite to the surface of the 

 soil. Thus in a few minutes the water saturates 

 the entire contents of the box without disturbing 

 the seed or packing the soil. The boxes are then 

 removed and tilted to one side so that the super- 

 fluous water can drain out. 



Mr. Burbank urges that every detail of this 

 process of soil preparation and seed planting is 

 of vital importance. By strict attention to details, 

 success is virtually assured. 



CABE OF THE SEEDLINGS 



Of course the seed boxes should be kept at mod- 

 erate temperature, in a fairly warm room, or in 



[51] 



