An important matter, however, is the preparation of the soil, and another quite as important is to sow seeds late and not early. Then, too, attention must be given to their size and construction. Some seeds are round and tiny, such as the portulaca. These are scattered over the ground and gently mixed by the hand into the soil, while others must be planted, really embedded in the earth, such as sweet-pease. Again, other seeds have a shell-like covering, which must be removed before sowing, and others must be placed in the earth in a special direction. We have all heard of the boy who wondered why his beans didn't grow. On investigation he learned they were growing as fast as possible, only they would have bloomed and borne in China, for he had planted them upside down. Seeds such as the verbena must be planted lengthwise, and there are others which must be soaked before planting at all.
Young gardeners should commence with the easiest-raised plants, and wait until experience and study will lend a hand with the more difficult. And do not forget that the world is full of kind people who will gladly tell you what you do not know.
After sunset is the best time for seed-sowing. When they are sown, gently water, and then cover with an old piece of carpet. This is to keep the ground in a more equal temperature. Every evening pick up the carpet and examine the earth. Keep it moist—not wet—and when the seeds are sprouted replace the carpet with paper. To prevent this blowing, put stones on its outer edges. When the tender shoots are positively strong, hardy enough to withstand violent winds and hot suns, remove the paper. Keep on watch for the unexpected—such as insects, for example, which must be picked off. Weed carefully, and water when necessary.
Beginners may be sure of success if they sow any of the following seeds: Sweet-alyssum and candy-tuft, both of which have delicate white blossoms, and bloom freely from June to October; asters, which are very hardy, and whose colors are without number and exceedingly showy; balsam—or, as usually called, lady's-slipper, both double and single, is an old-fashioned favorite; morning-glories are beautiful, and fine to cover an unsightly pole or unpainted fence; mignonette and pansies will be sweet, while zinnia, portulaca, and marigold will lend brilliance.
[A NATURALIST'S BOYHOOD.]
MR. WILLIAM HAMILTON GIBSON'S START.
BY BARNET PHILLIPS.
am enjoying a book, a picture, a statue, or say a piece of music. I know these to be the finished works of the man or the woman, but I invariably hark back to the boy or the girl.