Black Spots. — For black spot on roses, apply sulphate of iron to 
the soil in November and again in March, at the rate of 6 ounces to a 
bed ID feet by 5 feet. Spray from April to June once a week with 
Bordeaux Mixture. 
How to Get Rid of Weeds in Pond. — Copper sulphate is the chemical 
used to keep ponds and lakes free from certain weeds. Very little in- 
deed is required. It does not harm fish; instances are on record of 
the health of fish being improved and disease eradicated by its use. 
Seed Sowing DonH, when sowing seeds in the greenhouse, imagine that any 
Don'ts soil will do for the purpose. Use the best you can obtain. 
DonH omit to sift at least the surface layer in which the seeds 
are sown. 
DonH leave out a Httle powdered charcoal if you have it, especially 
if the seeds are Hkely to be a long time in germinating. It prevents the 
soil becoming sour, 
DonH forget to water the soil before sowing, by immersing the 
pots or pans nearly to their rims. Then leave them to drain, 
DonH overlook the importance of sowing thinly. It means that 
the seedlings will be sturdy from the commencement. 
Don't cover seeds too deeply; about twice their own depth will 
be suitable. Some are better without any covering of soil at all; 
Begonia seeds for example. 
Don't omit to label each variety as soon as it is sown, thus avoid- 
ing all mistakes and confusion. The date of sowing should be written 
on the labeL 
Don't neglect a covering of glass and paper when the p)ots are 
placed in the greenhouse. This keeps the soil uniformly moist, and a 
close atmosphere is ensured, both these things encouraging germina- 
tion. 
DonH fail to remove the glass every morning and wipe it dry. 
Don't imagine that water must be needed a few days after sowing. 
There is seldom any need to water seed pans after sowing until ger- 
mination has taken place. 
Don't at any time give water straight from a pump or tap, nor 
even from a tank in the greenhouse. Add hot water first until it is 
just tepid. 
DonH leave the paper and glass over the pans after germination 
commences, as light will then be necessary. 
Don't expose tender seedlings to bright sunshine as soon as they 
are through the soil. Keep them out of it, or shade by a sheet of thin 
paper. 
B. Alford, Popular Gardening. 
28 
