16 



THE NURSERY-MANUAL 



the earth be well firmed over the seeds. Walking on the row, 

 placing one foot directly ahead of the other, is usually the most 

 expeditious and satisfactory practice, at least with large seeds. 



FIG. 5. 



Bell-glasses of different forms. The one at the left is the cloche of 

 the French. 



The earth may be firmed with a hoe or the back of a spade, 

 or a board may be placed on the row and then be thoroughly 

 settled by walking on it. For small lots of seeds, it is well to 

 cover them with an inverted flower-pot (Fig. 6), taking care to 

 tilt it frequently to prevent the plants from "drawing." In 



the sowing of celery and other small 

 and slow seeds, it is a frequent prac- 

 tice to leave the board on the row 

 until the seeds appear, in order to 

 hold the moisture. This is a doubt- 

 ful expedient, however, for the young 

 plants are likely to be quickly dis- 

 patched by the sun when the board 

 is removed. If the board is em- 

 ployed, it should be raised an inch 

 or two from the ground as soon as the plants begin to appear ; 

 but the shade of the board is too dense, and plants do not grow 



FIG. 6. 



Seeds covered with . 

 flower-pot. 



