Early Work In The Garden

Many of the subscribers to the Farmer who are sending lor leecU, ask for directious for storting tlicm. Seeds lor outdoor plantíos are eitln-r pcrciinhil, bienniai, or aniiual. Perennlal aeedt sliould be sown in iiutumii if nol very e.arly in ppring, as they geriuinate ulonly, but most surely while Mie soil i wet and oool; tlie plants bloom the second year trom planting, wiih a few exeepüons vvliicli bloom the fint WMon and remato in perfec'ion many yan aften Hut few perenDlali require protectlon throufrb winter, and that uut a slight eovering oFstraw. Jiiennials bloMom tlie second year alter sowing and the die. but are usually reprodueed by elf sown seeds, so that wben once established tiere s no fnrther trouble in retaining tliem. It Is well to rememberthe more promptly perennial seed is sown alter rfpenlng, the better, tosave time in starting tato srowtli. AnnuaU are either liardy or tender, and most of our liunly aniuiuls are perennial at the Booth. Those may be planted in open grouod after the weather is settled and the soil is warm; or may be sown in hotbeds, but as they germinate freely may be sown where they are to grow. Or, as all but poipie8 bear transplanting, aaeed bod may be made for (hem, and by the time they are lic for transplanting the border can be made inellow and line for their receptiou. üur variable spring weather makea it ungafe to plant half liardy or tender animáis out of doors. Many sow seeds iu boxes in the house la line light ricli soil, keep moderately warm and molst, and give plenty of air when growth begins. Seedlings should ahvays be transplanted as sooii as well up. II' the weallur is unfavorable for setting tliem in the garden, llave asliallow hox ready with good soil, and set thein in that, and they will grow in better form and strengt h. lf allo wed to stand crowded long alter they are up, they will become drawn and weak. Nearly every one, I think, sows Beed too thick, which is a "risky" practios, for if the plants are thick they are slim In growth and will rarelyjrecoverlost yitality. Althoagh verbenas are Inirdy annuals the seeds are very low in starting. unleM given heat and constant moisture, wtiicb can be done by eovering the soil after sowing with Manuel wel in warm water until the signs of growth appear; then cover the box wilh iiiostjuito netting a day or two, and trau-iilaut as soou as rougli leaves are grown. The hotbed (Germán) I have so often ilecribed saves all risk and trouble, and la a very small expense. The bed is made the usual way but the cover is wliite cloth instead of glass, which after being tacked firmly to the cover frame is latnrated tli linseed oil and e(ga well beaten tegether; about two eggs to a pint of oil. When dry it is suow white and waterproof, and all that eau be desired for starting plants for an ordinary garden the last of Apiil or first of May. Of course for plants that are started early and are kopt under cover until quite or nearly grown, while the hard frosts and solid earth are yet in order, glass is necessary; but as we are not sui-b "early birds,"' we should choose things suitable to time and conditions. For growing greenhouse bulbs and seeds, cuttings, etc., thie Germán hotbed is jut right, and when the weather becomes hot the cover can be replaced with clean cloth and do adtnirublv.