The Story-Book of the Fields 



them up for a feast. Besides, they would 

 occupy the ground in which they had been 

 sown for a long time unprofitably. These 

 disadvantages are avoided by means of a 

 temporary sowing which is called stratifica- 

 tion. First of all a layer of small stones is 

 arranged in a large, deep, earthenware pan, 

 pierced with holes in the bottom, or in any 

 other receptacle — chest, vase, or tub — pierced 

 in the same way. The object of these holes 

 and of this bed of stones is to give free access 

 to the air and to allow any excess of water 

 used to escape. Next comes a bed of fine 

 sandy earth, and then a layer of seeds placed 

 side by side, covered by another bed of earth. 

 Over this another layer of seeds is arranged, 

 which is also covered with earth ; and this 

 process is continued, placing the seeds and 

 the earth alternately, until the receptacle is 

 full. Then the whole is sprinkled with water 

 and the pan is carried into a cellar or some 

 dark shed. Now the contents of the vessel 

 need only be kept suitably moist by occasional 

 watering. Thus enclosed in a small space, 

 and easily watched over, without being at 

 the mercy of thieving animals, or unprofitably 

 occupying ground that might be used for 

 something else, the seeds may break their 



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