columns. During mis 
the next April, millions of little packages will 
have traveled through the mail, and find their 
resting place on the bosomof mother earth ; and 
here we find we are giving a hint unconsciously, 
but one which is a capital one to the seed sower, 
namely, to sow, the flower seeds on the surface, 
and not beneath it. Much of the ill luck with 
them comes from rotting in the ground. A rain 
comes after sowing, and if the seed has partly 
swelled, it easily rots by being a few hours under 
water. To avoid this, sow on the surface, and 
close the earth over with a trowel. It is even a 
benefit to make a little mound of a half-inch or 
so, before sowing. Then it will make no differ- 
ence if the rain continue for a week, the seeds 
will always be above the level , and never get Satu- 
rated. Another JitUe thing,, often, neglected by 
seed sowers, is to mark the place where the seeds 
are sown. A little stick set in will always be 
found useful, as all who have not done so will 
readily understand. In olden times this was 
give a list of these, as every 
these particulars on every 
it. 
been growing in the ground 
jw soil does wonders. Rich 
jints grow, buf they do not al- 
ways flower well with vigorous growth. If new 
soil cannot be had, a wheelbarrow of manure to 
about every fifty square feet will be enough. If 
the garden earth looks grey or yellow, rotten 
leaves— quite rotten leaves— will improve it. If 
heavy, add sand. If very sandy, add salt-about 
half a pint to fifty square feet. If very black or 
rich from previous year’s manurings, use a little 
lime, about a pint slacked to fifty square feet. 
Prune shrubs, roses and vines. Those which 
flower from young wood, cut in severely to make 
new growth vigorous. Tea, China, Bourbon 
and Noisette roses are of this class. What are 
called annual flowering Boses, as Prairie Queen 
and so on, requires lots of last year’s wood to 
make a good show of flowers Hence, with these 
thin out weak wood, and leave all the stronger! 
To make, handsome, shapely specimens of 
shrubs, cut them now into the forms you want, 
and keep them so by pulling out all shoots that 
