212 CULTIVATION. 



before they can be potted out singly. Seeds of 

 curious or valuable sorts should not be sowed all 

 at once : a first sowing* may fail, whereas a second 

 may succeed. If, when the seedlings are rising, 

 there should be much sunshine, they should be 

 shaded in the middle of the day, lest they get 

 parched. No weeds should be allowed to rise 

 among them ; nor should the surface be covered 

 with moss if it can be prevented ; though if it 

 rises with the seeds, w^hich is very frequently the 

 case, it cannot then be taken away. 



Soon as the green-house becomes too dry a 

 station for them (which it certainly will be about 

 the end of May), the seed-pots should be removed 

 to some shady border, and plunged up to their 

 rims in sand, or coal-dust. This will keep the 

 mould in the pots in equal temperament as to 

 moisture ; and being free from the excitement of 

 the sun, and receiving full air, occasional water- 

 ing and protection from worms and insects, the 

 plants will get hardy, stocky in growth, and soon 

 fit to be transferred to small pots. V/hen a spare 

 frame, or part of a glass-covered pit can be had 



