loam, with a little sand, will suit them to perfection.  Fill the pots firmly, taking precautions to insure effective drainage.  A thin layer of silver sand sifted over the soil will aid an even sowing by showing up the seed.  As a finish, shake over just enough fine soil to hide the sand.  Thin sowing is important, because the most reliable new seed is almost certain to germinate at intervals, and the plants which come first can then be lifted without imperilling the remainder.  Prick off as fast as ready round the edges of small pots, and shade until established.  Then give air more and more freely.

==Stock, Ten-week.==—­The preparation of the soil is the first business, and whether the Stocks are intended to be grown in small groups or alone in beds, the treatment should be the same in either case.  With light land there is no difficulty; it is only needful to dig it well, and to incorporate a sufficient quantity of decayed manure.  If disposed to incur a little extra trouble to give the plants a start, take out some soil with a trowel, and fill the hole with compost from the potting shed.  This course is indispensable on heavy land; and assuming it to be rich enough, the quickest and most effectual way is to make drills six inches deep at the proper distances, and nearly fill them with prepared soil, in which the Stocks can be planted.  For a short time afterwards provide shelter from the midday sun, but do not keep them covered a moment longer than is necessary.  In planting it must not be forgotten that an uncertain proportion of single specimens will have to come out.  On this account it is advisable to put them in small groups, and remove the surplus even if they are double,

==Sweet William==.—­The introduction of several new varieties has created a fresh interest in this fine old garden favourite.  This is one of the hardy biennials that will not be hustled.  On a nicely prepared bed in the open sow thinly in drills either during this month or up to July.  In due time transplant in rows, affording sufficient space for each specimen to become stocky, and in autumn transfer to flowering quarters.

==Verbena==.—­Beds for Verbenas should be rich, mellow, and very sweet.  A poor soil not only produces poor flowers, but it materially shortens the blooming period.  Peg the plants down from the outset, and allow them to cross and recross each other until there is a sheet of glowing colour.

==Wallflower.==—­This fragrant spring flower is not always grown as well as it might be.  It is often sown too late to become established before winter sets in.  Sow now in drills nine inches apart on friable loam.  Thin to three inches apart, and transplant the thinnings.  A little later repeat the operation, so as to leave the plants at a distance of six inches in the rows.  Assist them with water if necessary.