82 PLANT PROPAGATION 
rubbing them in dry sand, after which they may be 
sown on a sheltered border outside or in pans under 
glass, covering the seed thinly with sandy soil, which 
should be kept just moist. A. japonica and its varieties 
may be divided either in October or in March. Root- 
cuttings of this section in spring, an inch long, inserted 
with the tops just covered in pots of sandy soil placed in 
gentle heat, grow readily. 
ANNUALS.—In raising these plants it is a common 
practice to sow the seed much too thickly together to 
permit of the full development of foliage and flowers. 
Better results are obtained when the ground has been 
well prepared beforehand and is in a suitable condition— 
moist, but not wet and sticky—at the time of sowing. 
If the seed is good, sow thinly, and in due course, when 
the seedlings appear, thin out sufficiently to allow ample 
space for natural growth without crowding. Keep a 
sharp lookout for and destroy slugs, which in some 
seasons are so abundant that groups of seedlings are 
quickly devoured by them if means are not taken to 
repress their invasions. Choose the proper season for 
sowing. Nothing is gained by doing this too early, 
when the ground is wet and cold and night frosts occur 
at intervals. On the other hand, the work must not be 
put off so late as to curtail the necessary time for root- 
ing below ground and for top growth above before the 
hot sun and dry time of-summer arrive. Half-hardy 
annuals sown under glass or with other protection 
should be gradually but well hardened off before plant- 
ing in the open borders. To the tenderer annuals this 
applies with still greater force. Successional sowing of 
such kinds as may be needful to prolong the flowering 
season should be made. 
