HARDY PLANTS FROM SEEDS. 
11 
roots, however, ripen seed freely in onr climate, and 
in this way it is easy to keep np a supply. 
The principal time for seed sowing is in the 
spring*, summer, or early autumn. Whether the seeds 
are to he sown in the open air, in specially-prepared 
soil, or in pots or pans in cold frames or greenhouses, 
will depend a good deal upon the hardiness or rarity 
of any particular kind. If sown in the open air, 
special seed beds about four feet wide may be pre- 
pared of fine, light, rich soil. They should be raised 
a few inches above the surrounding level, and situated 
in a warm sheltered corner, such as under a wall or 
thick hedge facing any aspect between south-east and 
south-west. Shallow drills for the reception of the 
seeds are easily made by pressing the edge of a 
straight board into the soil ; or round or square 
depressions may be made in the surface in the same 
way when only a few seeds are available. This, how- 
ever, would be only in cases where neither cold frames 
nor greenhouses exist. The depth of covering will 
depend on the size of the seeds, as already explained. 
2. Hardy Plants from Stem Cuttings. — A very large 
number of plants can be increased by detaching sturdy 
well -ripened shoots — not young sappy ones, nor old 
woody ones — from the sides or base of the plants in 
summer. Any shoots showing traces of blossom are, 
as a rule, useless for cuttings. As cuttings have no 
roots, and are losing vapour continually from their 
leaves, it is necessary to insert them in a shady part 
of the garden, otherwise they are likely to be 
shrivelled up by the sun before they have a fair 
chance to develop new roots. The cuttings of any 
