EoR THE Southern States. 89 



FLOWER SEEDS. 



The following list of Flower seeds is not very large, but it contains all 

 which is desirable and which will do well in the Southern climate. I im- 

 port them from one of the most celebrated growers in Prussia, and they 

 are of the best quality. There are very few or no flower seeds raised in 

 this country, and Northern houses, which publish large lists and cata- 

 logues, get them from just the same sources as myself; but they, on an 

 average, sell much higher than I do. Some varieties which are biennial 

 in Europe or North, flower here the first season ; in fact, if they do not, 

 they generally do not flower at all, as they usually are destroyed by 

 the continued long heat of summer. Some kinds grow quicker here and 

 come to greater perfection than in a more Northern latitude. 



FlovTcr seeds require a little more care in sowing than vegetable 

 seeds. The ground should be well pulverized and light enough not to 

 bake after a rain. Some of the more delicate and finer varieties are better 

 sown in boxes or seed pans, where they can be better handled and protec- 

 ted from hard rains, or cold weather ; the other kinds do not transplant 

 well and are better sown at once where they are to remain, or a few 

 seeds may be sown in small pots to facilitate transplanting into the 

 garden without disturbing the plants, when large enough. Some have 

 very fine seeds which the mere j^ressing with the hand or spade to the 

 soil will cover ; others may be covered one-fourth of an "inch, according 

 to their size. Watering should be done carefully, and if not done 

 with the syringe, a watering pot vv^here the holes of the sprout are very 

 flne'shouid be used. 



By setting the plants out, or sowing the seeds in the border, con- 

 sideration should be taken of the height, so that the taller varieties may 

 be in the middle and the dwarf kinds on the edge of the bed. 



The seeds are put up at ten cents a package, one dollar per dozen, 

 except a few rare or costly kinds, where the price is noted. All Flower 

 seeds in packages are mailed free of postage to the purchaser. Where 

 there is more than one color, I generally import them mixed, as I find 

 that most of my customers do not wish to purchase six packages or 

 more of one variety, in order to get all the colors. One package of 

 Asters, Zinnia, Phlox, Chinese Pink, German Stocks, Petunia, Portu- 

 laca and others, will always contain an equal mixture of the best 

 colors. 



Althea Rosea. Hollyhock. This 

 flower has been much improved of late 

 years, and is very easily cultivated. Can 

 be sown from October till April. Very 

 hardy ; from four to six feet high. 



Alyssiim maritimum. Sweet 

 Alyssum. Very free flowering plants 

 about six inches high, with white flowers, 

 very fragrant. Sow from October till 

 April. 



Antirliinum iiiajus. Snapdragon. 

 Choice mixed. Showy plant of various 

 colors. About two feet high. Should be 

 sown early, if perfect flowers are desired. 

 Sow from October till March. Althea rosea. 



