ANNUAL FLOWER SEEDS. 



15 



Previous to providing annual flower seeds, the cul- 

 tivator should lay out a plan of the garden, and in 

 making allotments of ground for any particular pur- 

 pose, provision should be made for a select assortment 

 of such bulbous, tuberous, and perennial plants as may 

 be deemed most worthy of attention, not forgetting to 

 leave room for some of the choicest varieties of the 

 Dahlia, the qualities of which will be described 

 hereafter. 



Another consideration is, to have suitable imple- 

 ments ready, so that the work can be performed in a 

 skilful manner, and at the proper season. A spade, 

 rake, hoe, trowel, drilling machine and pruning knife, 

 may be deemed essentials ; and in order to have the 

 beds laid out with the edges strait and even, a garden 

 line should be in readiness. If labels be required, they 

 may be made of shingles, which being split into strips 

 of about an inch wide, and sharpened at one end, will 

 serve for marking distinct kinds, either in pots, or on 

 the borders. In order to have the names or numbers 

 written in legible characters, the labels should be 

 painted on the smooth side with white lead, and then 

 marked with black lead pencil before the paint get* 

 dry ; inscriptions made in this way will be as durable 

 as the label itself. 



The next, and perhaps the most important con- 

 sideration is, to have the ground in good condition to 

 receive the seed. In order to attain this desirable 

 object, let some good rich compost, or very old manure 

 be provided, and well mixed with the soil; dig it 



