D. M. FERRY & GO'S 



{lie §electioi| of §eed. 



c/^5~^ 



HE MOST healthy and vigorous plants are generally pro- 

 duced from seed, and this is the only method of obtaining 

 new varieties. Some seeds retain their vitality but one 

 or two seasons, while others grow better by keeping. 

 GREAT CARE SHOULD BE USED IN THE SELEC- 

 TION OF SEED, as on their perfection the growth of the 

 young plant depends, and the cost of cultivating an improv- 

 ed variety is no more than a degenerated one ; hence the 

 necessity of purchasing only such seeds as are offered by 

 RELIABLE HOUSES, or men who pride themselves on 

 sending out none but the best or most improved kinds. Above all, do not buy 

 CHEx\P SEEDS, thinking to save a few cents in the purchase, for they will 

 prove FAR DEARER in the end. From our long experience in the seed busi- 

 ness, and our great care in selecting, growing and importing our stock, we feel 

 confident that seeds obtained from us, will prove true to their marks, possess 

 vitality, and give entire satisfaction. 



SOWiWQ SEEfiS. 



This is one of the most important garden operations. Seeds, to germinate 

 well, require light, heat, air and moisture. They should be sown when the 

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

 should be rolled or gently pressed upon the seed, after sowing. The freshest 

 seeds of some varieties often fail from improper management in sowing, ^^^len 

 sown too early, while the ground is wet, they are apt to rot. ^^^^en sown too 

 shallow, in a dry time, there may not be sufficient moisture to sprout them, or 

 they may be destroyed by dry and hot weather, after they have germinated. 

 Insects may destroy the plants before or as soon as they appear out of the ground. 

 Powerful manures, such as hen-dung, guano and chemical manures, if under 

 powerful fermentation, will frequently destroy the vitality of seeds, and some- 

 times kill the tender plants. Complaints frequently made that seeds sown are 

 not good, may quite as often be attributed to other causes than the quality of 

 the seeds. The first effect of air, heat and moisture upon the seed, is to change 

 its starchy matter into a sugary pulp, the proper food of the embryo. If, at 

 this time, the seed be withered by exposure to heat, without sufficient covering, 

 it Avill perish. It often hapens that seeds are planted in a fresh-dug soil, and the 

 above change in the properties of the seed takes place, but tlie earth not being 



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