190 SOWING. 



A frequent change of seed is a necessary expe- 

 dient in cultivation, in order to ensure the best 

 returns. It is not only a change from one descrip- 

 tion of soil to another, but a change from one country 

 to another. Whatever may be the cause that foreign 

 seeds and plants do better than home-bred is not 

 easily guessed at ; but, taken as a naked fact, it is 

 incontestable. A change of air and soil to a plant, 

 seems to impart a new vigour, which it would not 

 show in its native place. 



As a general rule in sowing, it may be observed in 

 conclusion, when mere bulk and full form of the 

 plant, whether tree or herb, is desired, sow thinly, 

 and keep in open order ; when number, and superior 

 quality of grain is the object, sow with a more liberal 

 hand. 



Seedtime. It has already been observed, that 

 the season of ripening is the natural time for sowing 

 seed ; but this is seldom necessary to be attended to, 

 except in the case of a few curious plants. Our 

 seasons, and the purpose for which plants are culti- 

 vated, regulate the time or times of sowing. Of some 

 plants we only require the seminal, of others the 

 perfect leaves. Young tubers, unripe pods, seeds, 

 fruit, and flowers of many, and the perfectly mature 

 seeds of others, are obtained by timeous sowing, 

 and at periods fixed by the practical knowledge of 

 cultivators. 



