DAMPING-OFF. 



23 



which serves to throw the upper edges apart, and to 

 cause the lower edges to join. The trough is now filled 

 with the required number of seeds, and is then inserted 

 into the earth to a given depth, when the fingers push 

 inward on the spring and the trough opens and delivers 

 the seeds. 



Delicate seeds, which are sown out of doors, should be 

 given a very accessible location, because they will need 

 constant watching in dry weather and during heavy rains. 



17, Tracy seed-planter. 



A border along a wall is a favorite site for a seed bed. 

 A French method of preparing such a bed is shown in 

 Fig. 18 (after Mottet). 



Damping-Ofi. — The gardener must always be on the 

 lookout for the rotting-off of seedlings. This damping-ofi 

 is a common ailment of young seedlings and cuttings. 

 The stem becomes brown and constricted at or near the 

 surface of the soil, and it soon rots and falls over. The 

 top of the plant often remains alive and fresh for several 

 days after it has fallen. Various fungi are concerned in 

 this disorder, and these have recently been discussed by 

 Atkinson (Bulletin 94, Cornell Experiment Station). The 

 conditions which seem to particularly favor the develop- 

 ment of these fungi are a moist and close atmosphere, 

 crowding, and careless watering. Plants are particularly 

 liable to damp-oif if only sufficient water is applied to keep 

 the surface moist while the under soil remains dry. Hot 

 sand, sifted over the plants, will check it, but there is no 

 complete remedy. As soon as the trouble appears, give 

 more air and prick out the plants. 



