LUTHER BURBANK 



without boxes. The object of the cold frames is 

 to shelter from hot sun and drying winds and in 

 cold climates to prevent freezing. 



If the season is short or if warm weather 

 comes on suddenly, it is sometimes desirable to 

 soak seeds in water before planting. 



After being in the water several hours they 

 should be drained and set in a warm place 

 where germination can start quickly. In this way 

 growth may sometimes be advanced by a week 

 or more. But such forced germination is not 

 usually necessary or desirable. If carried too far 

 before planting, it endangers the growth. On the 

 other hand, the very early plants often escape 

 cut-worms and other insects by attaining a fair 

 growth before these pests put in an appearance. 

 Boxes for Seedlings 



Valuable plants to be grown in large quantities 

 from rare seeds, may best be started in small boxes 

 or "flats" indoors, under glass or in sheds made of 

 laths or slats so spaced as to allow free entrance 

 to air and sunshine. 



Boxes of the right design and construction are 

 far better for this purpose than pots or earthen 

 pans. The boxes or "flats" that I have used for 

 twenty years are made of redwood lumber. 

 Where this cannot be obtained, cypress is nearly 

 as good, but soft pine is not durable and should 



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