LLerbaceous Perennials. 589 
little moss, too, isa very good thing to place on the top until 
the seeds begin to germinate, especially where the seed is near 
or on the top of the soil, as it secures the surface from being dis- 
turbed by watering,and prevents rapid drying. Careful watering, 
indeed, is of the utmost importance ; for while much moisture 
with a low temperature is fatal to most things, seed-pots 
should never be allowed to dry up. After a seed has once 
started into life, its course cannot be interrupted with im- 
punity, and until a plant has made considerable root it is 
wholly dependent upon surface moisture. 
As has already been observed, there is a wide difference in 
the time occupied in germination, varying from a few days or 
weeks to twelve months or more, according to the species, and 
to some extent the age of the seed. The necessity of keeping 
the pots free from weeds will be obvious; but as these, in 
many cases, are very difficult to distinguish in a young state 
from the seedlings it is desirable to raise, we must endeavour 
to kill all seed that is in the soil before sowing very rare or 
choice kinds, or those likely to lie dormant for a lengthened 
period; this may be done by baking, not burning, the mould. 
The frame should have a thin shading all the time the sun is 
upon it, and very little ventilation is required until the plants 
are fairly above ground. It is best to have a second pit or 
frame to remove the seedlings to as they come up, because they 
will gradually need more air until they are finally planted ont. 
Thick sowing is to be deprecated for many reasons, but chiefly 
because overcrowding gives number without constitution or 
vigour. The course to be pursued after the seedlings have 
attained a fair size will be determined by the season and the 
rarity: of the species in question. After weeks or months of 
watching and nursing, it will be better to ensure success by 
getting them established in pots before turning them out into 
the open borders. A sharp look-out must be kept after mice, 
slugs, wood-lice, and other destructive animals and insects, 
The management of plants in the beds and borders is so 
simple that it appears superfluous to add anything to what we 
have already said. The selection and disposition will vary 
according to the taste and time of the cultivator, and the ex- 
tent of his garden. Delicate subjects should be avoided where 
there is little space and little time to devote to their cultiva- 
tion. Dead leaves, flower-stems and weeds should be removed 
as they appear. ‘The surface should be slightly moved by 
