THE PROPAGATION OP PLANTS 136 



26. The raising of seedlings 



222. The ideal soil in which to plant seeds is 

 loose and friable, does not "bake," and is reten- 

 tive of moisture. It is neither hard clay nor 

 loose sand. 



223. The looser the soil, the deeper the seeds 

 may be planted, since the plantlets can easily 

 push through the earth ; and the deeper the 

 planting the more uniform is the moisture. For 

 seeds of medium size and of strong germinating 

 power, as wheat, cabbage, apple, a quarter or 

 half inch is sufficient depth. In order to secure 

 moisture about the seeds, the earth should be 

 firmed or packed over them, particularly in a dry 

 time ; but this surface earth is moist because 

 water is passing through it into the air (103, 

 104). 



224. The smaller the seed, the shallower 

 should it be sown, as a rule, and the greater 

 should be the care in sowing. Very small seeds, 

 as those of begonia, should be merely pressed 

 into the earth, and the surface is then kept 

 moist by shading, laying on a paper, cloth or 

 glass, or by very careful watering. Delicate 

 seeds are often sown on the surface of well -firmed 

 soil, and are then lightly covered by sifting soil 

 or dry moss over them. Keep them shaded until 

 germination is well progressed. 



