There are two methods adopted by a florist in the preparation of his stock; one, by sowing the seed in the fall and wintering the young plants in cold frames, or even by means of a slight protection of brush. The other by sowing the seed on a bench in the green-house in January. If sown in the fall early enough to get well into rough leaf, if they do not flower in the fall, which they usually will do, they are ready to do so at the first peep of spring, as they flower at a comparatively low temperature. If sown in January, they are transplanted once on other benches, from which they are lifted and transferred either to the outside borders or to other cold frames as the case may be. It is not best to keep them in a green-house longer than necessary, say the first of March, as the conditions of a green-house will bring about the small flowers similar to the hot weather of the summer. [Illustration: THE PANSY.] By the different systems the market florist can have his goods always at their best during the selling season, which ranges from the first of March up to the first of June. They are so easily grown he can afford to sell cheap, even if his goods are of the very best, and will usually bring about seventy-five cents by the single dozen, down to as low as three dollars by the hundred. Enough sod should hang to the roots to keep them fresh, and they will, after planting, go on flowering just as though they had never been disturbed. Nothing can be done with this plant, at least worthy of the name, in the window, hence it should not be attempted. To enjoy the large flowers as long as possible during summer, if there is any choice of position, give them the coolest and moistest place in the garden, not forgetting plenty of watering in dry spells. A rich, loamy soil, inclined to be porous, will give the best satisfaction, but almost any garden soil will grow them. EDGAR SANDERS. * * * * * DRAINAGE. PRACTICAL FARM DRAINAGE. WHY, WHEN, and HOW TO TILE-DRAIN --AND THE-- MANUFACTURE OF DRAIN-TILE. By C.G. ELLIOTT and J.J.W. BILLINGSLEY PRICE, ONE DOLLAR. For sale by THE PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO., 150 Monroe St., Chicago, Ill. * * * * * THE SHEPHERD'S MANUAL A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE SHEEP. Designed Especially for American Shepherds BY HENRY STEWART. Finely Illustrated PRICE, $1.50, by mail, postpaid. Address PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO., Chicago. * * * * * $2.00. FOR THIS AMOUNT WE WILL send a copy of THE PRAIRIE FARMER for one year, also a handsome Colored Map of the United States and Canada--size, 4×2-1/2 feet. * * * * * OUR NEW CLUBBING LIST FOR 1884. THE PRAIRIE FARMER IN CONNECTION WITH OTHER JOURNALS.