This is one of the most important garden operations. 

 Seeds, to germinate well, require light, heat, air and moist- 

 ure. They should be sown when the ground is mellow and 

 fine, and, if possible, before a gentle rain ; and the ground 

 should be rolled or gently pressed upon the seed, after 

 sowing. The freshest seeds of some varieties often fail from 

 improper management in sowing. When sown too early, 

 while the ground is wet, they are apt to rot. When sown 

 too shallow, in a dry time, there may not bo sufficient moist- 

 ure to sprout them, or they may be destroyed by dry and 

 hot weather, after they have gerniinated. Insects may de- 

 stroy the plants before or as soon as they appear out of the 

 grouftd. Powerful manures, such as hen-dung, guano, and 

 chemical manures, if under powerful fermentation, will fre- 

 quently destroy the vitality of seeds, and sometimes kill the 

 tender plants. Complaints frequently made that seeds sown 

 are not good, may quite as often be attributed to other 

 causes than to the quality of the seeds. 



From our great care in growing and selecting our stock, 

 we feel confident that seeds obtained from us will prove true 

 to their marks, possess vitality, and give entire satisfaction. 



D. M. FERRY & CO. 



