9 . 
marks, using the thumb and finger to guide it; then turning 
the board twice, sow two more rows and so proceed until you 
have sown several rows, say 12 to 20, when they must be cov- 
ered, using the back of a spade drawing it with some pressure 
half-way from each side of the bed. A very important part of 
this operation which must not be overlooked 1s to get the seed in 
and covered while the ground is fresh and damp; therefore com- 
plete the work in sections. At the distance given the hoe can 
be used and the soil stirred between the rows which is quite 
essential to a proper growth of the plants as well as necessary 
to keep down the weeds. 
The sowing completed, the bed may be ‘overed with old 
bags or cloths to retain the moisture, which, however, must be 
removed upon the first signs of the seed germinating ; but 
what is better still, a shade of muslin can be used, supported 
by the upper edges of the frame and narrow strips laid across, 
which can remain until the plants are well above ground when 
it should be removed, the plants sprinkled with tobacco dust, 
air slaked lime, ashes or common plaster, and a covering of 
mosquito netting be substituted for the muslin, which will 
admit light, air and sunshine, yet be a partial shade, and will 
help to protect the plants from insects. This cover may be re- 
moved during rainy weather, and if you please every night to 
give the plants the benefit of the dew. 
I have decided objections to artificial watering of seed 
beds, especially when the seed is first sown or in the early 
stages of growth of the plants, and this may generally be 
avoided by following the directions just given ; but when cir- 
cumstances may seem to demand otherwise, let the bed be pre- 
pared and in the afternoon thoroughly saturated and toward 
evening the seed may be sown and covered as above described, 
but never water the bed after the seed has been sown until the 
plants are well up, for this has a tendency to pack the surface 
and cause it to bake and prevent proper germinating of the 
seed. After the plants are fairly above ground, light waterings 
at evening may be given, but must be avoided if possible. 
I have not given these precautions for sowing seed in Bep- 
tember for wintering over, for the reason that at that season of 
the year we are comparatively free from insects and drouths. 
