38 MARKET NURSERY WORK 



be transplanted into other pans or boxes, and each plant allowed 

 2 inches. Still let the vessels used be shallow, and use a compost 

 similar to that used for the seed pans, only add a little mortar rubble 

 passed through a fine sieve. When this is available there may be a 

 corresponding diminution in the quantity of coarse sand. The 

 drainage provided must be clean and efficient a very important 



FIG. ii. A Pan of Seedlings. Border Carnation 



point which we never weary of urging. Press the compost more 

 firmly than for seeds, though between " firmness " and " hardness " 

 it is necessary to discriminate. The soil may be so hard as to be 

 impervious to the young roots, or it may be so loose that they will 

 have no grip upon it, but they will enjoy working their way through 

 a reasonably firm soil and will grow strong and fleshy in the process. 

 There is a very close analogy between the growth of the hidden root 

 system and that of the visible top. 



We are now at the beginning of April and the newly trans- 

 planted seedlings will, perforce, still be under glass, either in an 

 unheated house or in a frame. For a weak the sun should be kept 

 off them, and a too-free circulation of air be prevented ; probably 

 a few sheets of newspaper spread over them would be sufficient 

 protection in either case, but after a very few days they should be 

 gradually exposed both to sunshine and air, more in keeping with 

 their native hardiness. 



As they become established and begin to put on growth, they must, 

 if in a greenhouse, be removed at once to a cold frame, where the 

 lights should be taken off during the day, and a current of air all 

 night admitted by putting a wedge under each light. At this stage, 



