10 July, 1916.] 



T'ree-plaiding Competition. 



421 



seed placed under cover for a few hours. Drill lightly the beds in three 

 or four lines, and sow the seed straight away in the drilled lines, and 

 cover up with the back of a light rake. If the soil is dry, water well 

 with watering can and fine rose, and keep the ground moderately moist. 

 In ten or eleven months' time the seedling plants should be lifted, and 

 transplanted in nursery lines, 3 to 4 in. apart and from 14 to 18 in. be- 

 tween the rows. In this position they can remain for one or two years. 

 They will then be large enough to remove to their permanent quarters. 



The sowing should be done during August and September, but this 

 depends on the season and district, the northern areas being first planted. 

 In 1 lb. weight of pine seed there are from 19,000 to 90,000 seeds. 



The Raising of Gums. 

 Sowing in Beds ami Boxes. — -The seed can b© sown from September 

 to November, in open beds, boxes, pots, or pans. If in open beds, in the 



Pine Trees and Gums, Titanga Estate, Lismore — i« years alter planting. 



absence of a cement bottom something in the shape of hardwood boards or 

 sheet-iron should be laid 7 or 8 in. below the surface to prevent the roots 

 of the seedling gums from going down. The seed beds should be from 

 3 to 4 ft. wide, with a fine smooth surface. Water the bed before sowing. 

 Sow broadcast, and spread some finely sifted loamy soil, light and dry, 

 with a little decayed leaf mould mixed lightly and evenly over the seed ; 

 then water with a fine rose. A temporary screen over the beds will assist 

 the seed and protect the plants. 



If boxes are used they siiould he from 4 to 6 in. deep, with holes in 

 the bottom for drainage. When filling the boxes, pots, or ))ans, place 

 over the holes (for oj>en drainage purposes) curved pieces of crocks or 

 charcoal. Fill in with moderately-sifted loamy soil to within lA in. of 

 the top ; water, sow, and cover the .seed as directed for the oj>en beds. 

 As plants in boxes are liable to be drawn, great care must be takeu to 



