32 THE BOOK OF EVERGKEEXS. 



These observations of course do not apply to natives of 

 tropical climates, for the temperature in growing these 

 must be so graduated as to suit the nature of the plant. 

 As an excess of moisture is one of the greatest evils to be 

 guarded against, especial care must invariably be taken 

 that the soil during the critical season is only sufficiently 

 damp to preserve the young seedling from wilting, whilst 

 the humidity in the atmosphere (when the beds are covered 

 with sash) may be maintained by syringing slightly, or 

 watering through a fine rose. In fact, water should never 

 be applied in large quantities, as if the young plants were 

 radishes or cucumbers, but as gently as possible, to imitate 

 an invigorating dew. 



Dry ness, on the other extreme, is almost sure to pro- 

 duce decay; for when young evergreens once suffer for 

 want of moisture in the soil, they rarely recover, and oc- 

 casionally the sudden transition from drought to damp- 

 ness kills them almost immediately. 



Although a large proportion of the seeds produced by 

 the Conifers will germinate readily, the Yews appear to 

 be an exception. The hard, bony integuments of their 

 seeds closely resemble those of the Thorns, and conse- 

 quently require to be sown immediately after gathering. 

 Our plan is to wash the pulp from the seed, and sow at 

 once in light, sandy soil, cither in boxes or frames. The 

 English method is to throw the fruit into heaps, when the 

 soft, pulpy disks soon rot, and the seed is then treated as 

 above. Should the seeds become dry before sowing, they 

 will frequently lie in the ground for two and even three 

 years before germination takes place. 



Seeds of the Cypress germinate and grow in a few weeks 

 after sowing, but the Thujas, if not sown immediately 

 after ripening, will lie in the ground for a year. Junipers, 

 if not washed from their pulpy covering, will keep for 

 several years ; but they are very slow about sprouting, 

 and will usually lie in the ground for two years. 



