PROPAGATION BY SEED 79 



for two days, then cut in halves lengthwise and the 

 two halves buried side by side in the earth with the 

 cut surface downward and in complete contact with 

 the earth, the apex pointing toward the east. Pliny* 

 believed that two seeds should be planted side by side 

 and two more similarly placed on top of them, "for 

 when planted singly, the tree that springs up is but 

 weak and sickly, whereas the four seeds all unite to 

 form one strong tree." The writers realized that the 

 seeds did not reproduce the characteristics of the 

 parent, but Ibn Awam declares that if the seeds of 

 these seedlings are again planted, they will return to 

 the exact characteristics of the original parent — 

 certainly a wonderful case of atavism. 



Abd al Ghanit lays great stress on planting the 

 seed two cubits deep, with manure, salt, and wine 

 lees, and plenty of irrigation; "especially if the water 

 remain on it at night will it become fat and hasten to 

 grow and laugh with delight over its food, and its face 

 will be wreathed in smiles. It should be protected with 

 care from all ill treatment and watched over with 

 anxious solicitude, being properly protected during 

 hot weather; it should also be thoroughly cultivated, 

 as it can not grow well if other plants are growing 

 around its roots. If these rules are observed, the 

 palm will grow beautifully, for what it most wants is 

 earth and manure and salt on it and water at proper 

 intervals." 



The ancients usually advise that the seeds should 

 be planted where the palm is to stand permanently. 



*Caius Plinius Secundus, Ilistoria Naturalis, Book XIII. ch. 7. 

 Rome, 77 A. D. 



tShaykh Abd al Ghani al Nabli, The Book of the Use of Salt in 

 the Science of Agriculture (MS. in my possession — no date). 



