VITALITY OF SEEDS. 31 
off, which may be done with a sharp pointed pen-knife ; 
but this is a tedious process when many seeds are to be 
planted. [I find no difficulty without removing this coating 
or without scalding the seeds mentioned, if pots of the 
seeds are plunged in a hot-bed, where there is a powerful 
heat ; they will start in a week or less, according to the de- 
gree of heat, but great caution must be observed as soon 
as the plants appear, to see that they have plenty of air, 
or they will surely be destroyed. 
It is impossible to give directions for planting seeds, 
that will be applicable to all soils, situations, or seasons ; 
but judgment, discretion and care must be exercised un- 
der all circumstances to ensure success. Plants, long prop- 
agated by cuttings, lose their power to produce seeds. 
This is the case with many fine perennial plants, with 
double or single flowers, that have been propagated by 
divisions of the roots, as well as by cuttings. 
It is a great disappointment and vexation, to find, after 
you have made ample preparations, and planted your seed, 
that it was worthless, your labor all lost, and probably too 
late in the season to make trial of other seed. Perhaps 
the following hints may remind one of the importance of. 
beginning right. 
““To raise your flowers, various arts combine, 
Study these well, and fancy's flight decline ; 
1f yon would have a vivid, vigorous breed, 
Of every kind, examine well the seed ; 
Learn to what elements your plan‘s belong, 
What is their constitution, weak or strong ; 
Be their physician, careful of their lives, 
And see that every species daily thrives ; 
These love much air these on much earth rely, 
These, without constant warmth, decay and die; 
Supply the wants of each, and they will pay 
For all your care through each succeeding day.” 
