The popular name is descriptive of the seed, which is almost spherical, black, and so hard that it has been used in the West Indies instead of shot.  Hence it will occasion no surprise that the germs burst through the strong covering with difficulty, and that sometimes weeks elapse before the seedlings appear, one or two at a time.  To facilitate germination some growers file the seed, others soak it until the skin becomes sufficiently soft to permit of the paring away of a small portion with a sharp knife.  In either case caution must be exercised to avoid injuring the germ.  A safer mode of attaining the object is to soak the seeds in water, placed in a greenhouse or stove, for about twenty-four hours before sowing.  After soaking the seeds it is necessary to keep the soil constantly moist, or the germs will certainly suffer injury.  The number of seeds sown should be recorded, so that it may be known when all are up.  The first sowing should be made in January, in a temperature of about 75 deg., and as fast as the seedlings become ready transfer singly to small pots.  As Cannas are gross feeders they must have a rich, porous compost, and an occasional dose of liquid manure will prove beneficial, especially when the pots are full of roots.  If the seedlings from the January sowing are regularly potted on and properly managed they will begin to flower in June or July.  Either the plants may be turned out into a rich soil, or the pots can be plunged, and after flowering in the open until late in autumn the plants can be lifted for another display of bloom in the greenhouse.  In warm districts and in dry, sheltered situations, the roots may be left in the open ground all the winter under a covering of ashes; but they must be lifted from a damp, cold soil, and stored in a frame during the winter months.  We have only mentioned January as the month for sowing, but seed may be put in up to midsummer, or even later, following the routine already indicated.

==Carnation==

==Dianthus Caryophyllus fl. pl.  Hardy perennial==

The Carnation belongs to the aristocracy of flowers and has attained the dignity of an exclusive exhibition.  But in addition to their merits as show flowers, Carnations make conspicuous ornaments in the garden and the home, and it has been found that seed saved with skill from the finest varieties will produce plants yielding hundreds of flowers of which the grower need not feel ashamed.  Since the introduction of the early-flowering class, which can easily be had in bloom within six months from date of sowing, an immense impetus has been given to the culture of Carnations from seed, and with judicious management it is not a difficult matter to insure a succession of these delightful subjects almost the year through.  For the decoration of greenhouses and for providing cut flowers, seedling Carnations have a special value, which has only to be known to be universally appreciated.  No trouble should be experienced with high-class seeds, which germinate freely and save much time and labour in comparison with the more tedious process of propagation; while an occasional new break may at times reward the raiser.