seed, previously smoothing it with a bit of thira 

 flat wood, bent so as to lie on it level. Being 

 thus prepared, let the seed be sown regularly 

 on the surface, and cover it from about an eighth, 

 to a quarter of an inch, according to the size of 

 the seed as before, with the same sort of fine 

 mould. But if the seed is of the largest sorts, as 

 for instance, the nut, or stone kind, no more is 

 necessary than to press them into the earth with 

 the finger, and covered somewhat thicker than 

 is recommended for the others. In either case, 

 the covering should be pressed moderately on 

 the seed with the hand: which is indeed, in my 

 opinion, a most necessary caution in sowing 

 seeds of any description whatever. My reason 

 for remarking on this is, because I have wit- 

 nessed, in many of the nurseries, as well as 

 gardens, seeds sown and left not only without 

 being pressed in as above directed, but almost 

 uncovered ; the evil tendency of which in places 

 that should set the example, at least in sowing 

 seed, must be evident to the commonest obser- 

 ver. No gardener should ever neglect to put the 

 name or number to each species as they are sown. 



I have sometimes practised with success, a 

 method recommended by many eminent men of 



