BErATIf'A. 123 



To raise liepaticas from seed is ([uite a simple matter, 

 and may be recommended to the amateur as a profitaMo 

 proceeding. There is one precaution needful, and this 

 being observed, the rest is easy. Sow the seed instantly 

 on its Itecoming ripe. It must not Ije put away, or it is 

 likely to perish. It is alwa^'s safest to sow snch seeds in 

 large pans or shallow boxes, which should be filled with 

 light rich sandy loam. Scatter the seed thinly, cover with a 

 mere dusting of fine soil, and lay slates or tiles over to keep 

 the soil moist without having to give water until the 

 plants a])pear. Should watering liecome necessary — for 

 the seed must never be ijuite dry — carefully dip the pans 

 or boxes in a sufficiently large vessel filled with water, or 

 leave them in it resting on a pot or brick a sufficient length 

 of time to cause a complete moistening of the whole body 

 of the soil, when they may be taken back to the frame. 

 By this mode of action you avoid displacement of the seed ; 

 in fact, the s\u'face soil must not be disturbed at all. Any 

 weeds that rise under the covering slates must l)e carefully 

 drawn out as soon as they are large enough to be taken 

 hold of. 



The germination of the seed is a slow process, but you 

 may expect to see the young plants towards the end of 

 September; if they do not appear, however, you must have 

 patience. When they do appear the slates must be re- 

 moved. Tile seed-boxes must remain in the frame for the 

 winter, and be ke[)t only moderately moist, for if really 

 wet when cold weather prevails some of the young plants 

 will damp off. Thev should have air frequently in mild 

 weather, and advantage should be taken of a bright day to 

 lift them out, dip them, take out weeds, clear the frame, 

 and perhaps put down a fresh layer of clean coal-ashes, 



