•73 



What is stated above is not mere words — It has been proved by 

 experiment that imported seeds rapidly deteriorate week by week 

 when exposed to our atmosphere, and such seeds as lettuce and others 

 will lose all their vitality in a few weeks. 



With our own seeds the same has been observed. If we sow as 

 soon as gathered, we get as a rule over 00 per cent, to germinate. If 

 we keep them a month this is reduced by 50 per cent., and the vitality 

 of most seeds is wholly lost if kept for three months before soAving. 



At the Gardens therefore we make it a rule, never to keep seeds 

 in stock, but what we require to send away are packed and transmitted 

 by the earliest opportunity after being harvested. When seeds are 

 imported we sow them immediately on arrival, or import them in 

 specially sealed tin parcels which are opened only as required. 



The best method of transporting seeds from Europe is in small 

 tin boxes made like a patent biscuit box, (i.e.) a box made of light 

 metal, not costing too much in postage, and one readily opened by 

 the thumb piece — the same as a biscuit box, and the boxes should be 

 of small size, and contain small quantities of different seeds in each 

 box, to use for successive sowings. 



In packing for sending away — unless sent in a moist state in 

 damp Coco nut fibre --we invariably use canvas bags, as it is useless 

 for us to attempt to seal up in a dry atmosphere ; for our climate is 

 much too moist (except perhaps at exceptional times and places) to 

 do this with any hope of success. 



I would urge upon correspondents sending seeds to us from a 

 similar climate as our own, to desjiatch them as soon as harvested ; 

 and not to keep them a single day longer than is necessary, as by so 

 doing they will ensure us a greater measure of success in the germina- 

 tion of them. 



144.-NBW COFFEE MACHINES. 



In response to representations made to them by those conversant 

 with West Indian requirements Messrs. John Gordon & Co., have pre- 

 jiared a new set of cheap machines which are of a high class, and will 

 prepare Coffee in a very efficient manner. 



They are especially suited to the requirements of the Trinidad 

 Planter and can be highly recommended for estates where only small 

 areas are cultivated in Coffee. 



