64 How TO Grow Cut Flowehs. 



the grass side down. This should he of uniform thick- 

 ness, and as thin as it will hold together and permit of 

 handling. The spade is too slow for this work, and 

 every place of any size should possess a sod cutter where 

 much is to he used. In case sod cannot be obtained; 

 cover with clean straw, or with that which can be 

 shaken out from the stable waste. Bring in your pre- 

 pared soil and fill the bench. Level and firm the soil 

 well, either by treading it with the feet or by tamping 

 it with a brick, being careful to observe that there are 

 no loose spots in the corners or around the edges. 

 Many growers plant so those in the second row will be 

 half way between those of the first, and so continue 

 with each row, claiming for this method the advan- 

 tage of each plant occupying an equal amount of space. 

 See Fig. 21 



Fig. 21. 



This is correct, but beds are more easily cared for 

 when the rows run at right angles with each other, the 

 first plan necessitating a walk through a centre bench. 



When planting at right angles, in a bench eight feet 

 wide plant seven rows. This will give twelve inches-' 



