VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS , ETC . 
5 
should be done on a dull, showery day, if possible, or in the evening after sunset; 
if not, the plants may require shading after removal until they become established. 
In transplanting ia dry weather always give the plants as they stand in the seed-bed 
a good soaking with water, and also the soil to which they are to be removed, an 
hour or so before removal; in removing disturb the roots as little as possible. 
If the plants are not too thick, there is no need of injuring the roots : and in sowing 
it is well to have this in view, and sow evenly and thinly. As soon as the young 
plants come up, if too thick, a portion should be removed. A few plants with long 
tap-roots will not bear removal well, such as the Larkspurs, Poppies, Candytufts, 
Sweet Peas, and a few others of a similar character. 
The Cold Frame is a simple construction of boards for wintering Cabbage, 
Lettuce, Cauliflower, Brocoli, etc., for planting out early in the spring. Select a dry 
southern exposure, form a frame from four to six feet wide, and as long as is 
required. The back should be fourteen inches, and the front six inches high, with a 
cross-tie every six.feet. Seeds of the above named vegetables, sown in open borders 
early in September, will be ready to plant in the cold frame about the last of October. 
The soil should be well prepared and smoothly raked before planting. Admit air 
freely on all pleasant days, but keep closed in severe weather. 
Amateurs in the Cultivation of Flowers should remember that the selection 
of seeds is an important matter. Be careful about trying too many of the tender 
varieties in a single season ; otherwise, the cultivation of the same may be unjustly 
given up as a failure. If the object is a brilliant bed on the lawn, or in the border, 
the Petunia, Phlox, Portulaca, Verbena, etc., will answer, while a bed of the smaller 
or less showy flowers, such as Mignonette, would be entirely out of place. The tall 
showy varieties, including the Gladiolus, Zinnia, Marigold, and others, are most 
desirable for the background. It may be here mentioned that the best soil for 
flowers is a rich, mellow loam, although fair success has been attained on clay which 
has been well worked and mixed with sand, ashes and manure. 
Fertilizers, Insect Destroyers and Garden Tools, including the latest inven¬ 
tions, are described and priced in back part of this Catalogue. 
movable mushroom bed against a wall. 
MUSHROOMS AND THEIR CULTURE. 
We are so often asked for advice on the culture of Mushrooms that we have 
published a pamphlet of instruction for Mushroom culture, which will be sent free 
with all orders for Spawn, To all others on receipt of 10 cents. 
