48 THE GOLD MINE 



shrubs. We can only determine their adaptability by 

 actual test. For instance Prof. G-reen says that in the 

 genial climate of the Kew Gardens of England the 

 hydrangea grandiflora is not considered hardy, while 

 it grows to a tree in Minneapolis and laughs at 40 below\ 

 I also saw it in Manitoba. 



RAISING PLANTS FROM SEEDS. 



In the west and northwest we often have strong drying 

 winds just at the time when we want to plant seeds. 

 Many of our perennials and annuals have very small 

 seeds. Even nurserymen do not attempt to raise colum- 

 bines, oriental poppies, gaillardias and phloxes from 

 seed, but get the plants from the east. Unless one is 

 short of means and has a little extra time he would bet- 

 ter not bother with seeds but get well established plants. 



You must observe this rule about planting seeds : the 

 smaller they are the shallower. If you want to raise 

 celery (some of you have tried it) you have found it 

 could have only a slight covering, while if you plant a 

 black walnut it should go four or five inches deep. 



Another thing : the ground must never dry while seed 

 is germinating. This is fatal. There may be moisture 

 enough to start them, then there comes a drying wind, 

 and that is the end of it. Often complaint is made 

 about the seeds when the trouble is with the grower and 

 the weather. Some extremely small seeds are best start- 

 ed in the house. Plant very shallow in a pan. Often 

 we just dust a little earth over them and then put on 

 sifted moss, which will retain the moisture. A piece of 



