PROPAGATION. 3l> 



A peculiarity of the cones of the Cedar of Lebanon is 

 the length of time necessary to perfect them. They are 

 generally not matured until the third year, and the seeds 

 will keep well for five or six years afterward, provided 

 they are left undisturbed in the cones. 



The seeds of some species as, for instance, those of the 

 Cedar of Lebanon and several species of Pines, are ex- 

 tremely difficult to dislodge from the cones. When this is 

 the case, the cones should be thrown into hot water for a 

 short time, which will loosen the scales, or a \vedge may 

 be driven through the centre and the seeds obtained from 

 the fragments. In the use of hot water, great care should be 

 exercised that the seeds receive no injury. Cones are also 

 frequently dried in the sun, or placed in a moderately 

 warm kiln in order to procure the seeds. 



Seeds are often sown too deep, and perhaps as much dis- 

 appointment arises from this cause as any other. Most 

 seeds of the Conifer require but a light covering, say 

 from one-quarter to one-half an inch in depth. 



An excellent compost for growing seedling Conifers is 

 sods, muck, and coarse sand, with a small portion of old, 

 well-rotted manure ; the whole thoroughly incorporated, 

 and allowed to remain in a heap at least one year before 

 using. An occasional stirring of the mass is advisable. 

 This should never be run through a sieve, but used in a 

 rough state, simply pulverizing the larger lumps. The 

 idea is to have well-rotted, fibrous earth, rich in vegetable, 

 fertilizing material, coarse and light, with a perfect drain- 

 age when in use. 



For growing the common varieties of evergreens, all 

 that is needed is a simple cold frame with sash. The soil 

 should be dug in the autumn, and prepared very nicely by 

 working sand and well-rotted manure through it ; but nev- 

 er, under any circumstances, fresh manure from the stables. 

 The surface should then be raked evenly and smoothly, 

 and the seeds thinly sown. We prefer pressing them into 

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