118 
THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
operations. A finely pulverized soil pressing on all sides of the 
seed is found to assist its germination ; too much moisture causes it 
to rot, while a moderate degree of humidity is favourable to a vigorous 
growth. We shall apply these general remarks to our various de- 
partments of seed sowing which are interesting to gardeners, both in 
the flower and culinary departments. Never attempt to sow vege- 
table seeds when the soil is so moist as to stick to your feet. The 
month of March this year has been sadly trying in this respect, for 
on some lands no days have been favourable for sowing Patience 
is exercised by delay, but the rule ought to he adhered Jto — for peas, 
beans, onions, etc., put into the ground when it does not crumble 
under the touch of the hoe cannot do well. The soil cannot be 
pressed on the seeds except in a hard, clayey texture, inimical to 
growth, and the surrounding land will be rendered hard and imper- 
vious to light and air by the treading. The same remarks fully 
apply to potatoes, for the lighter the soil is the better the crop 
will be. 
If we follow Nature we shall not go very deep, for all observations 
show that even without any covering seeds will germinate and 
prosper. Acorns, nuts, peas, etc., left where they fall undisturbed, 
are sure to push roots downward. It would not do to place our rows 
of peas on the surface, for they would be disturbed in various ways, 
but when we cover them with soil let it not be too deeply. 
If the ground is in a proper state, seeds should be trodden or 
rolled in. Last year I took the advice of a writer in the Floral 
World, and rolled my onion-bed, when sown, with a heavy garden 
roller. I think I perceived the advantage of the plan, and the crop 
was certainly excellent, less disposed to run to neck than ordinarily. 
After sowing, if the beds or rows are not too extensive, it is better 
to guard at once against birds and cats by a slight covering of brush- 
wood. I use pea-sticks, laying them along the rows of peas and 
beans, and upon seed-beds. As soon as the peas are up, the sticks 
are on the spot for their destined service. 
In reference to annuals and other flower-seeds, the same rules 
apply. Flower-seeds, sown in the open air, should not be put in too 
early, however inviting the weather may be. Stocks, marigolds, etc., 
sown in the end of April, will often be more forward than those put 
in in March. Heavy rains and cold winds stunt the growth of the 
seedlings, and frosts sometimes destroy them altogether. But my 
plan is always to sow annuals in a frame and transplant them. 
When this is done, the beginning of April is early enough. In 
sowing care is required, or the moist heat of a frame will rot the 
seeds. The soil should never be wet. It will be found that small 
seeds will grow in mould which appears dry, better than in that 
which is sensibly wet. Abundance of air must be given. 
