98 BOOK OF OLD-FASHIONED FLOWERS 



snails. In the case of plants which are intended to be 

 transplanted from the seed-bed or seed-pan, it is of 

 course the size of the seedlings at the transplanting 

 stage which has to be borne in mind in judging of the 

 correct distance between the seeds. But it is a point 

 which cannot be too often drubbed into young gardeners 

 — and old ones too for that matter — that one well- 

 grown plant is better than twenty badly grown ones. 

 Also it should ever be remembered that a plant starved 

 in infancy suffers for it throughout its career. 



Seeds of hardy plants may be sown at almost any 

 time during spring, summer, or autumn, provided that 

 due attention be given in the matter of watering, pre- 

 paration of the soil and the like. Most of the biennials 

 and perennials may with advantage be sown in June and 

 transplanted to their flowering quarters in September. 

 Annuals intended to bloom in the summer or autumn 

 should be sown in March, April and May ; whilst those 

 intended to flower in the following year should be sown 

 in August and September. 



Most plants may be transplanted at any season of the 

 year if the operation be properly performed. A dull 

 day or an evening should be selected, and a ball of 

 earth should if possible be removed attached to the 

 roots. The ground into which the plant is to be re- 

 moved, should be well and deeply dug, and a deep and 

 capacious hole be made with a trowel or dibbler. Into 

 this the plant is to be carefully placed, its roots being 

 well spread out and well settled by means of w^ater. 

 For a day or two after being moved, it should be shaded 

 from the hot sun, and for the first few evenings should 

 be liberally watered. 



