THE REGAL LILY 3 
perfect seed bed should be prepared by deep plowing, thorough 
harrowing and fining, and if necessary hand raking, in order 
to get the surface in perfect condition. Of course, planting in 
the open in most sections, except the moist Pacific Northwest, pre- 
supposes some method of artificial watering to maintain suitable 
moisture conditions. 
Under field conditions the seed should be put down 1 to 11% 
inches deep in any way the grower happens to fancy, as with any 
other crop. The writer’s favorite method is to lay off the ground 
carefully and put the seed in with a garden drill. For this method 
it is necessary to run the rows lengthwise of the 3-foot bed, planting 
six 6-inch rows and then skipping one or two rows for the interbed 
space. Shallow trenches may be opened with the corner of a hoe 
and the seed distributed by hand and then covered with hoe or 
rake. 
The thickness of the seeding will depend somewhat upon how the 
crop is to be handled. Generally four to six seeds to the inch 
give about the right amount of growth, when the normal failures 
and usual mortality due to accidents are taken into account. 
In selecting the location for this kind of seed bed particular care 
should be taken to plant on ground that is as free of weeds as pos- 
sible, because, excepting in the paths, the weeding must all be 
done by hand. 
The beginner or the inexperienced grower who must conserve his 
seed supply and who is handling moderate quantities will usually 
plant in frames where conditions can be kept under better control. 
(Pl. 1, B.) Here still more attention can be given to soil preparation 
Sy deeper culture and the incorporation of a greater quantity of 
organic débris to increase percolation and moisture-holding capacity. 
In frame handling the depth of planting can be very much reduced. 
The seed can be sown practically on the surface of the smoothed bed 
and covered with only one-fourth inch of sifted earth of the ordinary 
composted mixture. This will not bake, provided, of course, that 
proper care be employed in watering. 
In order to maintain suitable moisture conditions the surface of 
the planted frame may be covered with old burlap or any other 
coarse, open fabric laid on thé soil after seeding. ‘This will main- 
tain an even moisture condition on the surface without the necessity 
of applying water so often. It should be removed as the plants come 
up, or, better still, elevated so as to furnish shade for a time. 
In frame seeding the distance between the rows may be reduced to 
4 or even 3 inches, the mulching can be more perfectly done, lath or 
other shade can be employed to advantage, and more accurate and 
effective use of fertilizer is practicable. 
CARE THE FIRST YEAR 
In any frame or flat planting of seed the grower must keep a care- 
ful lookout for signs of damping-off, which is prone to occur with 
this and many other lilies. This condition may be prevented by 
always maintaining good aeration and withholding water. Keep the 
young plants on the dry side; water only in the morning, and then 
only when needed; be sure the plants go into the night dry and 
.that the soil is decidedly on the dry side. 
