MIGNIONETTE. 
101 
ber and December, the seed should be sown from the 
first week of July to the middle of August; but if in 
January and February, sow the seed in the first week 
of September. These separate sowings will require 
a somewhat different treatment. 
For July and August sowing, fill some flower pots 
with good garden soil to within an inch of the rim of 
the pot, sprinkle the seed on the surface and cover it 
lightly, then plunge the pots in the ground in an open 
situation, as this prevents the soil from becoming too 
dry, or the roots from being injured by the excessive 
heat of the weather. Water them carefully in the 
evening, and when the plants are half an inch high, 
thin them out, leaving six or more plants in a pot, ac¬ 
cording to its size. When the plants are two inches 
high, nip off the leading shoot of each plant, to induce 
them to throw out side branches. Towards the end 
of September, the pots must be taken up and placed 
in the situations where they are intended to flower. 
Set the pots close to the window, and water them as 
they require it. 
For September sowing, the pots in which the seeds 
are sown should be placed on the south side of a fence, 
or in some situation where they can be protected from 
frost, and pieces of board should also be placed over 
them to keep off the heavy rains; but it is still better 
to plunge the pots in a garden frame and cover it at 
night with the glass. As soon as the plants are up, 
admit air in the day time, shut the frame at night, and 
treat them as directed for the preceding sowing. Here 
they may remain till the middle or end of October; 
then remove them to the situations they are intended 
