CHAP. IV. ORNAMENTAL ANNUALS. 283 



is called "pricking out." No better compost can be used than- 

 that recommended by Mr. Koss for the purpose, consisting of 



Leaf mould 8 parts. 



Common mould ... 8 parts. 

 Sand 1 part. 



The seeds when sown should be covered with nothing more 

 than a mere sprinkling of soil, pressed down upon them gently 

 with the hand, or, better, with the bottom of a flower-pot. 



It is of the utmost importance that the seedlings should, from 

 the very first, have, during the day, all the light and air that 

 can possibly be given them short of absolute sunshine, and at 

 night, when the weather will admit, be put out in the open to 

 receive the dew. 



The mode of raising Annuals, however, attended with least 

 trouble is to select a small plot of ground just of sufficient size 

 for the purpose; well dig it, and make it very light and 

 mellow with vegetable mould, and perfectly level. Then divide 

 it off into little compartments, and in each sow a different kind 

 of seed, and affix a label. But a better plan yet, in my opinion, 

 is to draw drills over the plot at the distance of half a foot 

 between each drill, and sow in them the different kinds of 

 seed in succession. It is thus known exactly where to look for 

 the seeds to come up ; when up also they are far more easily 

 transplanted from drills than when the seed has been sown 

 broadcast. Still, whichever plan is adopted, the whole plot 

 must be sheltered from the sun during the day, and in bad 

 weather at night, with a covering of hoogla, supported on a 

 bamboo frame about three feet from the ground. About four- 

 and-twenty hours previous the soil should be well drenched so 

 that at the time of sowing, without being wet and cloggy, it 

 may be found moist and mellow. 



The disadvantage of this plan, and nearly the only one, I 

 believe, is that the greater portion of the seed is apt to be 

 carried off by red ants ; but this is of not so great importance 

 if seed is abundant, as quite enough will probably be left to 

 supply as many plants as required. The seedlings come up 

 with far greater vigour and robustness than they do when raised 

 in pots, and never damp off. 



TRANSPLANTING. " Annuals/' says Sir J. Paxton, " with the 



