THE MANAGEMENT OF FRAMES 



155 



too early, will be so big by transplanting time that they will 

 suffer when moved. 



You may, if you think it more convenient, sow the seed in 

 flats, sunk in the soil of the hot-bed. This is not commonly 

 done. 



A help in sowing in the soil is what I call a planting-trough, 



Fig. 82. — The use of the planting-trough. Note the method of dropping 

 the seed into the trough. As soon as a row is planted it should be labeled. 



which is a light trough the sides of which slope to an open 

 bottom which is just wide enough to let small seeds slip 

 through. When the seeds are shaken into it from the hand 

 or paper, the sides guide the seed into the right line. Thus 

 the rows are sure to be straight, and no seed is wasted. 



Now bank all around the frame with earth, leaves, or hay, 

 put on the sash, and leave the seed to sprout. If the hot- 



