182 GARDENING FOR YOUNG AND OLD. 



of an inch deep. If you pat the rows with the back of 

 the spade, this will cover the seed deep enough. If 

 the weather is dry it will be well to water the bed 

 occasionally until the plants are fairly started. Hoe 

 lightly between the rows and suffer not a weed to 

 grow. This is very important, especially when the 

 plants are young. Thin out the plants in the row 

 to three or four inches apart; those that are removed 

 may be used to fill vacancies, or to make another bed. 



The plants started in the house can be set out in rows 

 a foot apart each way, and if the soil is rich enough, they 

 will soon cover the whole bed. The great point in 

 growing Portulaca is to get the plants fairly started ; 

 when the roots get firm hold of the soil, the hottest sun 

 will not hurt them. 



KICINTJS CASTOK-OIL BEAN. 



The Ricinus, or Castor Oil-Bean, is extensively grown 

 in some parts of this country for making castor oil. The 

 plants grow with wonderful vigor, often attaining the 

 height of ten feet. The leaves are large and beautiful, 

 and the flowers of many of the varieties are brilliant and 

 attractive. The cultivation is as simple as that of the 

 Sun-flower or Indian Corn. Set out a plant in the centre 

 of a bed. The Castor Oil-bean can also be used to great 

 advantage as an ornamental screen. 



SALPIGLOSSIS. 



The Salpiglossis delights in a warm, sandy soil. The 

 plants may be started in the house and set out in rows, a 

 foot apart and five or six inches from one another in the 

 row. The plants make a fine edging ; for this purpose, 

 make a drill around the bed nine inches from the margin, 

 sow the seeds about an inch apart, cover lightly, hoe 



