QUANTITY PRODUCTION 283 



used filled with mellow sandy loam; or the seed 

 may be sown broadcast or in rows in cold frames 

 without boxes. The object of the cold frames is 

 to shelter from hot sun and drying winds and in 

 cold climates to prevent freezing. 



If the season is short or if warm weather comes 

 on suddenly, it is sometimes desirable to soak 

 seeds in water before planting. 



After being in the water several hours they 

 should be drained and set in a warm place where 

 germination can start quickly. In this way 

 growth may sometimes be advanced by a week 

 or more. But such forced germination is not 

 usually necessary or desirable. If carried too 

 far before planting, it endangers the growth. 

 On the other hand, the very early plants often 

 escape cutworms and other insects by attaining 

 a fair growth before these pests make their ap- 

 pearance. 



Boxes for Seedlings 



Valuable plants to be grown in large quanti- 

 ties from rare seeds, may best be started in small 

 boxes or "flats" indoors, under glass or in sheds 

 made of laths or slats so spaced as to allow free 

 entrance to air and sunshine. 



Boxes of the right design and construction are 

 far better for this purpose than pots or earthen 

 pans. The boxes or "flats" that I have used 



