ANNUALS 119 



cation be thorough. It does very little good to 

 sprinkle the beds with a light mist from the 

 hose or watering-can; this may often freshen 

 the foliage after a hot, burning day, but it gives 

 no water to the roots, where the moisture is 

 necessary. It is, in fact, better to water in- 

 frequently, provided the watering then is done 

 thoroughly, than to water often and only 

 lightly. 



Keep the surface soil of the beds well stirred, 

 and do not permit a hard crust to form. The 

 process of weeding naturally tends to give 

 the soil such cultivation as it requires in this 

 respect, but often, when weeding is thoroughly 

 done, some weeks may pass before it appears 

 necessary to repeat the work. It is in such in- 

 tervals that the surface soil hardens and be- 

 comes almost as impervious to moisture as 

 concrete, and at the same time, is quickly heated 

 by the sun's rays. 



In selecting annuals for spring planting, be 

 wary of "novelties." Obtain the standards, 

 which have been often tried and seldom found 

 wanting. Only a few of the uncommon sorts, 

 or those that are little known, are of value — if 

 they were, they would very quickly cease to be 

 uncommon. The old-time flowers are not easily 



