344 Agkicultukal Experiment Station, Ithaoa, N. Y. 



to expose them to the weather. Such seeds are said to be stratified. If 

 more than one layer of seeds is placed in the box it is with the inten- 

 tion that they shall be sifted out the next spring and sown ; bu*; for 

 all small parcels of seeds, such as usually fall to the lot of the experi- 

 menter, it is better to sow them regularly in boxes, and then expose 

 them during the winter, allowing them to germinate without re sow- 

 ing. Some hard seeds will not germinate under two years, and occa- 

 sionally they require even more time ; but the boxes are kept clear of 

 weeds, and the gardener abides his time. 



With experimenters and others who have choice and often hybri- 

 dized seeds to grow, it is a serious question what to do with these 

 boxes of seeds, and how to keep a record of them. If kept in a 

 building, they become too dry during winter, or if the seeds grow, 

 the young plants are likely to die for want of light. If put out of 

 doors, shade must be provided to keep the boxes moist and to prevent 

 the young plants from becoming scorched by the sun ; and the boxes 

 are likely to get upset, the labels broken off or blown out, or the 

 rains may wash out the seeds. We have been in the habit of placing 

 these boxes under trees, where they make a convenient sitting place 

 for workmen, and the labels afford entertaining whittling ; and, 

 more than all, the birds drop seeds into the boxes and destroy the 

 value of experiments. We were much delighted with curious results 

 which we got from boxes of hybridized raspberry and blackberry 

 seeds ; but when one raspberry box came up to strawberries we 

 began to think that someone or something had taken an interest in 

 our investigations. 



But we are no longer troubled. The picture shows the shed in 

 which we keep our stratified seeds, under lock and key. We call it a 

 Seminarium, The roof is tight, but the sides are covered only with 

 galvanized wire netting. The meshes m this netting are never more 

 than a half inch, so that mice are excluded. The rains and snows beat 

 into the place, and when the seeds germinate, the plantlets find light 

 enough for their purpose. A record-book goes with this Seminarium, 

 with columns for the entry of the following items : Name of sample ; 

 where from ; date of sowing ; number of box or pot ; by whom 

 sown ; when transplanted ; permanent quarters. The house is used 

 also for the storing oi cuttings, which are planted in boxes, the same 

 as seeds. Such quarters are indispensable to any institution where 

 many seeds of hardy plants are sown, and especially where experi- 

 mental inquiry is attempted. 



