18 
41 Raising Annuals in the Borders. Dig the soil, and make 
it light and fine. Mark thereon, with the top of a large flower- 
pot, a circular impression; within which sow the flower seeds. 
The pot should then be j)laced, bottom upwards, over the seeds, 
there to remain till they have struck root; when it should be 
raised up, about two inches from the soil, and there supported 
for a few days, and then be entirely removed. By this practice 
the seeds, on their first germination, are protected from birds 
and slugs. A moist atmosphere, and warmth, is afforded them, 
which hastens the vegetation of the seeds, and increases the 
chances of success. The use of pots is not recommended to 
supercede that of small hand-glasses, but as affording conveni- 
ence where hand-glasses are not at command. 
42 Method of Transplanting. Small plants may be very neat- 
ly and safely transplanted from the borders, by making narrow 
trenches round them, and filling such trenches with plaister of 
Paris, mixed with water to the consistence of a thick cream. 
This quickly becomes hard, and forms a pot, by which the plant 
may be taken up without disturbing its roots. AVith a little in- 
genuity, the soil and roots may be so encompassed, with the 
same material, as to greatly facilitate the safe removal of a 
choice plant to any reasonable distance. 
43 To destroy Ants. The most effectual method of destroying 
ants, that we have ever tried, is the use of the following mixture. 
Take equal quantities of loaf sugar, arsenic, and finely powder- 
ed dried bread; rub them together in a mortar, till they are 
very well mixed. This should be kept in a bottle, in readiness 
for laying small quantities near their haunts. Great care is re- 
quisite in the use of this mixture, for it is injurious to vegetable, 
as well as animal, life. 
44 To DESTROY THE ApHis. Tobacco water forms the most use- 
ful wash that we know, for cleansing all sorts of trees of the 
Aphis. Every one should raise his own tobacco for this pur- 
pose. Sow seeds of the most usually cultivated species of to- 
bacco — the Nicotiana tabacum, on a hotbed, in April. Plant 
out the seedlings, at the end of May, into a rich soil, three feet 
apart. If they be topped when a foot high, it will increase the 
growth of leaves and lateral shoots. Gather the whole of their 
herbage, when in flower, dry it, and lay it by for making decoc- 
tions when required for use. Apply it with a syringe. 
