32 THE CAULIFLOWEK. 



quite essential to a proper growth of the plants, as 

 well as necessary to keep down the weeds. 



" The sowing completed, the bed may be covered 

 with old bags or cloth to retain the moisture, 

 which, however, must be removed upon the first 

 signs of the seed germinating; but what is better 

 still, a shade of muslin can be used, supported by 

 the upper edges of the frame and narrow strips 

 laid across, which can remain until the plants are 

 well above ground, when it should be removed, the 

 plants sprinkled with tobacco dust, air slacked lime, 

 ashes or common plaster, and a covering of mos- 

 quito netting be substituted for the muslin, which 

 will admit light, air and sunshine, yet be a partial 

 shade, and will help to protect the plants from in 

 sects. This cover may be removed during rain 

 weather, and, if you please, every night to give the 

 plants the benefit of the dew. 



" I have decided objections to artificial watering of 

 seed-beds, especially when the seed is first sown or 

 in the early stages of growth of the plants, and 

 this may generally be avoided by following the 

 directions just given; but when circumstances may 

 seem to demand otherwise, let the bed be prepared 

 and in the afternoon thoroughly saturated, and 

 toward evening the seed may be sown and covered 

 as above described, but never water the bed after 

 the seed has been sown until the plants are well 



