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A CONTRAST— UGLINESS Of "CLIPPING: 



ANNUALS— HALF-HARDY. 



THIS group of annual flowers represents many beautiful kinds, but the seed must 

 be sown under glass, not in the open. For sowing the seed a hot-bed is of great 

 service, but any warm house, if the temperature is not unduly high, is suitable, 

 and nothing is better for sowing the seeds in than a shallow pan or even a 

 box. The great secret is not to hurry the plants, but to provide a proper season 

 of growth by sowing in late February, in March, or even in April. It is of little use 

 to sow largelv before the warm days. For soil mix up loam, decayed manure, 

 leaf-mould, and sufficient sharp silver sand to lighten it well, and always remember to sow 

 thinly, and give water by immersing the pan or pot, as the case maybe, almost to the rim, letting 

 the water soak up through the hole in the bottom. If watered from the top, the seed will be 

 probably washed out. After sowing the seed very thinly, and dusting lightly with soil, cover 

 over with glasses, which must be removed directly the seedlings appear above the surface, and 

 give air judiciously. Remember that a stocky, sturdy growth is essential, and this is not 

 obtained in a very hot temperature. Watch for slugs or wood-lice, which are partial to young 

 seedlings. When the seedlings are beginning to crowd each other, prick - out into other pans, 

 and in the majority of cases this will suffice if they are not put too close together. In the case 

 of choice things, of course it may be wise to pot them up separately. Where artificial heat is not 

 available, delay sowing until early April, and place the pans or pots in a frame, choosing a sunny 

 position, or use a hot-bed, which should be made up in every garden. As a last resource, 

 sowings may be made in the open ground in Mav, but of course the results will not be so 

 satisfactory. Let the soil be rich and thoroughly well prepared for these outdoor sowings. 

 Plant out in late May or earl}' June, when frosts are over, and before doing so expose the plants 

 to the air, except at night if frost is apprehended, as unless the growth is vigorous the flowers 

 will be few and poor. As in the case of the hardy annuals, an alphabetical list is given of the 

 most beautiful tender kinds. It may be remarked that some plants described as annual are 



