PROPAGATING HARDY PLANTS 55 
moisture in the soil without further watering, but 
if it does happen that wind or direct Spring sunshine 
dries the seed bed, water must be carefully applied, 
not only in regard to force, but the temperature of 
the water and hour of application. Hard tap- 
water straight from the main is not good for any 
plant, but where rain-water cannot be had it is 
of distinct advantage to keep a tub or tank filled 
in a position exposed to the sun, for in a day or two 
such water will nearly approach the temperature 
of the soil and that is more suitable for the delicate 
roots and tender growth of the seedlings. 
In Spring or late Autumn early morning is the 
proper time for watering, but in the hot summer 
months evening is the best time, not only because 
cold water applied to heated plants may cause a 
chill, and globules of water resting on young leaves 
during strong sunshine may often concentrate the 
sun's rays and scorch the leaf, but because the roots 
will have the benefit of moistened soil throughout 
the night, whereas if watered earlier in the day the 
heat of the sun quickly dries up the moisture. 
Transplanting Seedlings 
Before growth has advanced sufficiently to over- 
crowd seedlings, those sown in pans, boxes, or frames 
must be pricked out about an inch apart in other 
pans or boxes, while the stronger growers sown in 
the open should be transferred to nursery beds, 
where they may pass through their first Winter, 
