42 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Most of the plants were reared in an open border, but some 

 were also reared in propagating-boxes in a cold frame. 



With the fostering influence of a better soil, the finest plants 

 were certainly raised in the latter manner, but with more 

 expense than the former. Where only a few thousands are 

 wanted, and the necessary attention can be given, I should 

 certainly recommend the raising of the plants for a time in boxes 

 under glass. Germination takes place in about twenty-one 

 days after sowing. Protection must be then given against 

 small birds, such as finches, which seem to be very partial to 

 the newly germinated seedlings. 



Very great care must also be taken at this stage as regards 

 watering and shading ; in fact, on this to a great extent the 

 welfare of the crop depends. For several weeks the young 

 plants should not be exposed to the direct rays of the sun. 



To prevent this, the plants should be shaded with a light 

 covering of tiffany. This may be supported on a light frame- 

 work, about 12 inches above the plants. A convenient method 

 is to run two wires through the tiffany and fix them to the 

 framework, thus making it convenient to slip the material off 

 and on. This shading should be kept off at night and on dull, 

 sunless days, and only put on during bright sunshine. 



The next point in regard to which great care must be taken, 

 is in watering. Overhead watering must always be avoided as 

 much as possible. In the case of plants in boxes, it is much 

 better to immerse the box in a trough of water about once a 

 fortnight. Where overhead watering has to be done, it should 

 be done during the afternoon, and never at night. When 

 watering is done at night, damping off is more liable to 

 occur. 



Plants reared in the open should be protected against frost 

 during the first winter at least. In the first year their tops do 

 not always get sufficiently matured to withstand frost, and also 

 at this age the plants are apt to be thrown out by alternate 

 frost and thaw. 



A method of protection which I have seen used was to place 

 rough boarding on the framework previously erected for the 

 tiffany. This also affords a protection against snow, and the 

 covering can be taken off on fine days. The plants reared in 

 boxes may be protected in the same way. 



It is better to defer transplanting until the plants are two years 



