SEED AND SEEDLINGS 3 
power to grow. When favourable conditions can be 
afforded, many seeds sprout much more regularly and 
quickly if sown as soon as they have ripened and been 
cleaned, for if held over for any length of time the outer 
coverings in some cases become so dry and hardened 
that they are almost impervious to moisture, and only 
grow after the lapse of long intervals. 
Seeds are of various sizes, ranging from that of the 
SEEDLING PLANT OF WEIGELIA (DIERVILLA) ROSEA IN FLOWER. 
Double Coconut, weighing from 30 to 4o pounds, 
through different grades, to those of Orchids and 
Begonias, which are merely dust-like particles. 
Many seedlings fail to appear above ground through 
the seeds being sown too deeply, and the seedsman is 
censured and accused of supplying an inferior quality. 
A very good general rule is to cover with a thickness of 
mould equal to the diameter of the seeds in question. 
Even this rule is subject to some modifications. 
Germination of many seeds may be hastened by sub- 
jecting them to a long or ashort soaking in warm water, 
