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Gardening for Amateurs 



The upper sketch shows how 

 to make the soil perfectly level for 

 seed sowing : the lower one how 

 seedlings are watered by immersion. 



Showing how a flower pot is prepared 

 to receive cuttings. 



Raising the glass covering slightly by means of 

 flower pots to admit air to seedlings. 



Cuttings root best if put near 

 the edge of the pot. 



sowings are made at various stages, because 

 a box of plants can be removed and har- 

 dened off whenever it is necessary to do 

 so. Some charcoal and sand should be 

 mixed with the rich compost from the turf 

 heap, and only the very finest soil should 

 be placed on top ; the whole is then pressed 

 firm and the seeds sown as desired, thinly 

 and in rows from 3 to 6 inches apart. Fill 

 the seed drills with fine sifted soil, water 

 carefully, and place the light on top. The 

 frame should be kept fairly close until the 

 seedlings appear, but every morning the 

 light must be lifted to freshen the air and 

 dissipate moisture. As the plants grow, give 

 more and more air ; the tiny seedlings 



should be shaded by a newspaper or other- 

 wise from too strong sun, but as they get 

 larger and hardier this is no longer neces- 

 sary. Don't be too lavish with water, and 

 keep the frame well aired ; lift the light 

 off entirely on a fine day. 



If the seed is sown in boxes a similar 

 method should be adopted, but some drain- 

 age is necessary. The boxes should be 4 

 or 5 inches deep ; the first inch is filled with 

 crocks, ashes, or small stones ; the next 

 2 inches is made up of lumpy loam, charcoal, 

 and a little leaf-mould ; while the last inch 

 should consist of fine sifted soil mixed with 

 sand. The frame should have a layer of 

 gritty ashes in the bottom. 





