106 YA"RD AND GARDEN 



excess dampness. Careful attention to this de- 

 tail will prevent the "damping off" of the seed- 

 lings, which so often discourages the beginner. 

 If, on the other hand, the soil threatens to be- 

 come too dry, sprinkle lighth" with water, or, 

 if the flat be small enough, set it in a pan of 

 luke-warm water and let it absorb the water 

 through the drainage holes in the bottom. 



As the plants make growth, give more air, 

 removing the white paper entirely and slightly 

 elevating the glass. As growth continues, sup- 

 ply more air, and when the seedlings put out 

 their second leaves place the flat in a light, 

 warm window, making sure to screen the boxes 

 from the sun. White paper is also excellent 

 for this. When the first true leaves appear, 

 dispense with the glass and gradually expose 

 the plants to more sun. 



TRANSPLANTING SEEDLINGS 



By the time conditions outdoors permit trans- 

 planting, the seedlings should be strong enough 

 and at the same time enough hardened to en- 

 dure the shock without any marked set-back. 

 But in some instances it may be necessary to 

 transplant before the outside conditions will 

 pevuiit a transfer immediately to the blooming 



