134 FAMILIAR GARDEN FLOWERS. 
them to be put out. The last week in March is early 
enough for the first sowing, and a cold frame will be the 
best place for the pan or box in which the seeds are sown. 
For all ordinary purposes it is not desirable to sow until 
about the 15th of April, as there is then no probability that 
the plants will suffer a check. The young plants should 
have as much air and light as they can bear, the cul- 
tivator, of course, keeping in mind that they are tender 
in constitution. If they have insufficient light they will 
become weak and wiry, and if insufficient air they will 
soon be smothered with green fly, and thereby seriously 
impoverished. 
As soon as large enough to handle, prick out the young 
plants in a bed of light rich soil in a frame; put them 
three inches apart, water them well, and keep the frame 
rather close for two or three days; then give air with 
caution, and increase the ventilation daily, and they will 
become strong and well prepared for planting out. 
A bed for asters should be made ready a few weeks 
before it is wanted. The third week in May is soon 
enough for planting out, and dull warm weather should be 
chosen for the business; in any case, if the nights are 
frosty, the plants had best remain in their snug bed under 
elass until a change occurs. If put out in sunny weather, 
turn empty pots over them for a day or two to save them 
from exhaustion. Asa rule, they should be planted a foot 
apart every way, but this rule may be varied as circum- 
stances may suggest. They should be lifted with care, so 
that every tuft of roots is kept intact, and should be firmly 
though gently pressed into their places, and then have a 
good watering to finish the work. The remainder of the 
management will consist chiefly in watering and weeding, 
