THE GARDEN AT HOME 



have no doubt is possible to those who are able to identify 

 many sorts of roses by their leaves alone. But the biggest 

 duffer among us can grow Ten- week Stocks, and everyone 

 can appreciate their lovely flowers, chiefly in white, pink, 

 mauve, or rose, that last in beauty for weeks together, 

 and enjoy the exquisite fragrance which, especially 

 towards evening and after rain, they exhale. I doubt 

 if there is any flower fragrance more pronounced than 

 that of the Stock, unless it be that of the Wallflower. 



One sows the seeds thinly in sandy soil in flower pots 

 or boxes in March, placing them in the greenhouse or 

 frame. The soil is kept moist and covered with brown 

 paper until the seedlings show through. Thence onward 

 it is merely a matter of keeping the little plants near 

 the glass and allowing them plenty of fresh air, so that 

 they may grow sturdily, for crowded seedlings will develop 

 into scraggy plants. It is worth while taking a lot of 

 trouble to get really good plants, for a well developed 

 specimen forms a perfect little bush, with numerous 

 branches, each smothered in bloom. From seed sown in 

 March there will be plants 4 inches to 6 inches high for 

 putting out in late April or early May. Those not 

 possessing either greenhouse or frame may sow the seed 

 thinly on a little bed of soil out of doors in late April. 

 The position should be sheltered, and the soil ought to 

 be made " fine " by frequently stirring with spade and 

 fork. When the seedlings are about 4 inches high they 

 are put out where they are to bloom. 



