288 GEEENHOUSE MANAGEMENT. 



variation, of obtaining new varieties. For the success- 

 ful germination of seeds, certain conditions must be 

 present ; first, the seeds should be plump, well-ripened, 

 and they must still possess their vitality unimpaired. 

 The best results will be obtained if, after the seeds 

 have been cleaned and properly dried, they are placed in 

 paper sacks, or, better yet, in tin boxes or glass bottles, 

 and kept in a dry room, at a temperature of 50 degrees. 

 If they .have been properly dried, few seeds will be 

 injured even if the temperature falls below the freezing 

 point, but vitality will be best preserved if they are kept 

 at a moderate, even temperature; especially should a 

 high temperature be avoided for oily seeds. 



Second, the seeds must be exposed to a temperature 

 suited to their needs, and a proper supply of moisture, 

 with free access of air, must be afforded them. The 

 temperature required for the germination of seeds is 

 about the same as is needed by the plants, but germina- 

 tion will be hastened if it is some ten or fifteen degrees 

 higher. When 45 to 50 degrees is suitable for the plants 

 at night, the seeds should be given from 55 to 60 degrees, 

 and if the excess can be in the form of bottom 

 heat it will be even more beneficial ; a similar in- 

 crease will hasten the germination of the seeds of 

 plants that need 60 to 70 degrees. After the seeds have 

 been sown, they should not be allowed to become dry, 

 and yet great care is necessary that the soil does not 

 become saturated. 



Particularly with small seeds that need but a thin 

 covering, it is well to have them shaded, as well as to 

 keep them covered, and thus prevent the rapid evapora- 

 tion of the water, and the consequent drying out of the 

 soil. If in the shade, the moisture can be retained by 

 means of a pane of glass placed over the box or pan, but 

 if so situated that the direct rays of the sun can fall 

 upon them, it will be well to cover the glass with paper. 



