German Sced-Bxiracting Establishment. 43 



same as for an ordinary seed-house of similar size, even if built in 

 accordance with the latest science and arrangements. 



The construction of the drying-kiln and the heating system will 

 perhaps cost more ; but they can not cost excessively since many 

 factories possess similar equipment for much less valuable 

 products than Scotch pine seed. Every home has a central 

 heating system, while we are concerned only with the heating of a 

 few small rooms which can be effected cheaply by hot air. The 

 fuel is chiefly empty cones and coal. This feature is especially 

 economical. 



By having practical equipment the operation of the plant is 

 simplified for the workmen ; continuous operation makes the most 

 of the buildings and other arrangements, and increases the utility 

 of the heating system, thereby making the cost of operation 

 cheaper. 



All in all, the current expenses of the seed-extracting house are 

 cheaper than hitherto. The cost of the cellar is a new addition, 

 but it must be figured in, if the results of the latest investigations 

 and experience are to be made use of in our actual practice, which 

 certainly requires them; this cost is not excessive, even if one 

 prefers a regular ice-cellar, since the two-storied arrangement of 

 the carboys does not require any great amount of space. 



I want to touch upon one more point : Cones which are picked 

 late, delivered dry, and collected from old stands have the follow- 

 ing advantages : 



1. They open quicker; all expense, wages, interest, and the 

 final charging-off of the cost of the seed extracting establishment 

 amount to less with such cones, 



2. It seems that such cones afford greater germination energy 

 and consequently greater real value. 



3. The quantity of seed yielded varies frequently between one 

 and one-quarter and one and three-quarters pounds per two and 

 three-quarters bushels of cones (.55 to .80 kg. per i hi). 



It is my idea (and it must be carried out in practice) to offer 

 advanced prices to cone collectors for cones which afford the 

 greatest yield of seed, the highest real value and the cheapest 

 production of seed ; perhaps at first in the form of a suitable bonus 

 which would be paid after the results from the cones had been 

 ascertained. Correct and honest calculation and payment of this 

 bonus will teach the cone collectors to supply such seed-extract- 



