278 THE SCHOOL GARDEN BOOK 



to boxes, giving plenty of light and air, and not keep- 

 ing in too warm a place. When the ground outside 

 is in good working condition, transplant to the per- 

 manent bed, putting the plants eight or ten inches 

 apart. 



Starting Out-doors. 



1. Select a bit of seed-bed where the soil is in thoroughly 



good condition and sow the seed sparsely either in 

 drills or broadcast, covering it very lightly and press- 

 ing the surface firmly with a hoe or bit of board. If 

 there is danger of drouth, cover the surface also 

 lightly with straw or lawn clippings, or something 

 similar, in order to give it a light mulching. Or sow 

 in a cold-frame and cover with cheese-cloth stretched 

 on a movable frame. 



2. When the seedlings come up, gradually remove most of 



the mulching and see that the bed is kept moist. 



3. After the seedlings have reached a fair size, transplant 



to the permanent bed. 



4. Keep the plants watered, if possible, and pick the flowers 



frequently. 



Record of Growth. 



1. Seed. 



Date of planting. Size, shape, color. 



2. Seedling. 



Date of coming up. Height. Number and kind of 

 leaves. 



3. Date of transplanting. 



Number, size, and shape of lea\'es. 



