Solving, Transplanting and Culture 23 



onee or twice their diameter. Without attempting the 

 microscopic task of measuring the diameter of the 

 small seeds, it will be found satisfactory to put these 

 on top of the soil, pressing them into it with a flat 

 board and then sifting a very little soil over them. 



Some seeds need soaking over night in warm water 

 m order to hasten germination. Some, like moon- 

 flower, are extremely slow in germinating, unless the 

 heavy shell of the seed is nicked with a file. Some, 

 like nicotiana, need even more elaborate preparation. 



After the seeds are sown, the flat should be given 

 a thorough watering. The sprinkling of water over 

 the top from a watering-pot would be fatal, washing 

 the seeds out of their places and playing general havoc 

 with the careful work that has been done. However, 

 a covering of burlap or bagging over the flat will 

 break the force of the stream and secure a fairly 

 even saturation. By far the best way, however, is to 

 stand the whole flat in the bottom of a wash-tub or 

 other receptacle, so that it may soak up water from 

 the bottom. Allow it to stand in the water until the 

 top appears moist. Then allow it to go unwatered 

 until the top seems fairly dry. Too frequent water- 

 ing tends to keep the soil wet rather than in the moist 

 condition that is best for germination of the seeds and 

 early growth. 



Covering the flats with glass for a day or so in 

 the sun will hasten the germination of the seeds if 

 they have been started late. Otherwise it is just as 

 well to let them come along as they will. 



