126 CUT FLOWERS. 



cldnensls, Gaillarclia pida Lorenziaiia, Tagetes erect a; German 

 Asters, varieties; Marigold, French and African; Petunia, 

 varieties ; Phlox Drummondi, varieties ; Rhodanthe, varieties ; 

 Salpiglossis, varieties ; Matthiola (stocks), varieties ; Tropseo- 

 lum, varieties; and Zinnia, varieties. The seed should be 

 sown in February or March in pans of light sandy soil and 

 leaf-mould, and placed in a temperature of 5-5° to 60°. The 

 seedlings should be pricked out as soon as they can be handled, 

 and afterwards be carefully hardened off for planting out in 

 May and June. 



HARDY ANNUALS. 



Many species of these are so rich in varieties of merit that 

 it is scarcely possible to name a selection of them that would 

 prove to be the finest in every season. The following dozen 

 species, however, with their varieties, foi'm a collection to 

 be depended upon : — Calendula officinalis, Calliopsis tinctoria, 

 Chrysanthemum tricolor, Clarkia pulchella, Eschsclioltzia cali- 

 fwnica, Godetia elegans, Iheris umbellatus, Lathyrus odoratus, 

 Lupinusnanus, and other species ; Nigella damascena ; Papaver, 

 several species and varieties. 



The culture of hardy annuals under ordinary circumstances 

 is a simple matter, as they grow freely in any rich soil of an 

 open texture. They may be sown any time from the middle 

 of February till the end of May, according to the state of the 

 weather and the date at which it is desired to have them 

 in perfection for exhibition. From twelve to fourteen weeks 

 should be allowed in ordinary seasons between the time of 

 sowing and the date of the show. As a rule, it is best to 

 make two or three separate sowings, at intervals of eight 

 days, so as to have them in perfection at a given date. Small 

 seeds (Mignonette) should be covered to a depth of about 

 twice their own diameter, larger seeds (Candytuft) three or 

 four times their diameter, and for large seeds (Sweet Peas) 

 from one to two inches is the proper depth. As soon as 

 the young plants are large enough to handle, they must be 

 well thinned out, to admit light and air among them, which 

 promotes strong sturdy growth and well-developed flowers. 



