CULTIVATION OF PERENNIALS, BIENNIALS, ETC. 101 
every advantage and care to get them up. The small 
‘seeds must receive but little covering, and that of the 
finest earth. In sowing these, my practice is to sow them 
in patches six or eight inches square. The soil having been 
well prepared, I settle the ground gently with the foot or 
a small piece of board, so as to make an even, somewhat 
firm, surface. The seeds are then evenly strewed over 
the surface. Then take some very fine soil and sift or 
strew over them, covering the seed not more than one- 
eighth of an inch deep, after which press the soil again 
gently with the board. It is now of great importance 
that the seeds, as they vegetate, should be protected from 
the scorching sun; an evergreen bough is as good as any- 
thing to shade them. The soil must not be permitted to 
get dry until the young plants have acquired some 
strength; after which they may be left to take their chance 
from the effects of sun or dryness. When the plants are 
of a proper size, and the weather suitable, they may be 
taken up with a transplanting trowel, and set where want- 
ed. A small patch of this description will afford plants 
enough for any common garden. In removing them, a 
number may be taken up tegether without disturbing the 
roots; but when the plants have become established, all 
may be cut off except the strongest ones. As a general 
rule, a single plant gives better satisfaction than when a 
number are grown together, except when planted in mas- 
ses, or where there is to be a group. The beauty of many 
annuals is completely destroyed by huddling them together. 
Give every plant room according to its habits, A single 
plant, well trained, may be made very beautiful; while a 
number of the same species, grown together, without suf 
ficient room, would be worthless. 
Larkspur, and many other seeds, should be sown where 
they are to remain. A bed of Double Rocket Larkspur, 
well managed, is almost equal to a bed of Hyacinths, when 
