living state, and have treated the seeds in various ways, we have 
not yet had the satisfaction of seeing them vegetate, and fear 
that this is another instance of the uncertainty of obtaining seeds 
from distant countries in a perfect state; for even when sent with 
all necessary care, aided by rapid conveyance, numbers of seeds: 
lose their vitality before we receive them,—thus causing much 
disappointment. For safety, they are often packed ina 2 
tin case, or wrapped in oil-cloth or other close material; but it 
has been invariably found that when they have been so sent. 
there is less probability of success in raising them. The mischief 
takes place generally ‘on board ship in coming through the © 
tropics, for, on account of the moisture the seeds contain, the 
heat produces a degree of fermentation, which destroys their 
vitality. This is more particularly the case in large seeds, and 
in such as contain much albumen, especially if they are of an 
oily nature. In preparing seeds for transmission through the 
tropics, our experience leads us to recommend that they should 
be wrapped in a paper parcel, and placed in the cabin or other 
cool part of the ship, but not in a place that is too airy and dry. 
In recommending this, we must be understood to refer more 
especially to small seeds ; for, with all due care, we do not anti- 
cipate much success with acorns and such other large seeds. /.S. 
[In the figures we have to observe the arrangement of the capitula or heads 
of flowers upon the branches, and the section of the ovary and insertion of the 
seeds are not wholly to be depended upon. ] 
Fig. 1. Single pistil. 2. The pistils of the five flowers of the capitulum. 
3. Head of Capsules, with their persistent and enlarged calyces :—natural size ; 
and accompanied by a seed natural size, and one magnified. 4, Transverse 
section of ovary. 5. The ovaries of the five flowers im situ (stamens removed). 
6. Stamen :—all but fig. 3 and the small seed magnified. ‘ 
