March.] THE NURSERY. 277 
chance, sow some on shady borders of light, dry, loamy earth, and 
also in boxes, making; the ground very fine and even on the surface, 
then sow the seeds thickly thereon, and cover them not more than 
the eighth of an inch deep, or rather, so as barely to hide them. 
Immediately cover the beds or boxes with moss, in order to shade 
the surface and vegetating seed, from the influence of the sun, or 
parching air; for when the small descending radicles are protruded, 
if the earth gets dry below them, all will be destroyed; and the 
seeds being so very minute, if covered deep, can never come up: 
therefore, it will be necessary to give them shade and very frequent- 
ly light sprinklings of water; the moss will prevent its washing 
the earth off the seeds, and will gently communicate the moisture 
to the surface thereof. When the plants begin to appear, thin the 
moss, and expose them but by slow degrees as they collect strength. 
If the boxes be placed in a green-house, or under the protection of 
garden frames and glasses, from the time of sowing the seeds till 
the middle of May, it will be a great advantage; observing, that 
the plants when up, must be carefully protected from the mid-day 
sun, whilst in an infant state. Towards the middle of May removb 
the boxes to some comforting shade to remain there, till the latter 
end of October, then place them in a warm exposure till the approach 
of severe frosts, when they may be put into a garden frame, and 
slightly protected during winter. Suffer the plants to remain in 
the seed boxes or beds till they have two years growth, being care- 
ful to give them shade and water in summer, and some slight pro- 
tection in winter, and in the beginning of April, plant them out into 
Nursery rows as directed for firs and pines, in page 275, in a shady 
situation and a loamy soil; covering the ground about their roots 
with moss, to keep it moist till the plants are established; observing, 
to give them occasional watering during the first summer and au- 
tumn after being thus planted out. 
J^ote. — All other minute seeded shrubby plants, such as ericas, 
&c. with propagated by seed, should be treated in the above man- 
ner; when this difference, that they must have protection and heat 
in winter, in proportion to their necessities, and soil adapted to their 
respective natures. Such may also be raised under bell-glasses, 
without the assistance of moss, as these confine the evaporations 
from the earth, thereby preserving the moist atmosphere around the 
plants, which prevents a greater exhalation of sap from the tender 
leaves, than the small radicles are yet able to extract and supply; 
which is frequently the cause of the sudden death and disappearance 
of various other crops, in warm climates. 
Calycanthus, Franklinia, and Gordonias. 
The Calycanthus Jloridus, or Carolina All-spice, commonly 
called the sweet-scented shrub, is deserving of a place in every 
pleasure-garden, on account of the delightful odour of its flowers. 
It is easily propagated by layers or suckers; the most eligible time 
of laying it, is in autumn, and by the spring following twelve months, 
they may be taken off, and planted with good success. 
