Cones can be opened by employing any one of 

 oeveral methods, as for example: 



(a). By sunlight - the cones being spread out on 



ground cloths. 



(b). In drying shed- using no artificial heat, but 



depending entirely on air circulation 

 and frost. 



(c). Preliminary curing and later a short period of moderately 



high temperature. 



In Eastern Canada fall sunshine, accompanied by 

 showert and high winds, ae it frequently is, does not open cones 

 sufficiently, and th.ua deducts seriously from the quantity and 

 probably the quality of the seed yield. Gusty weather carries 

 the lightly- weighted winged seed out of the cone and off ttie 

 drying area. When exposed to free air circulation and winter 

 temperature, the objection is similar. The forces brought 

 into play are not sufficiently severe to diverge the scales 

 adequately, with the result that mucjti seed is retained in the 

 cones. If the cones are subjected to a constant temperature 

 of 40 C for eight hours in tha tumbling barrels, after a 

 preliminary drying period of upwards of three weeks, the seed 

 extraction is complete, and vitality is not imperilled. 



The drums are enclosed in a chamber, the 



heating of which is regulated by a controlled influx of hot 

 air, and a series of small ventilators, usually tilong the 

 ceiling, insuring a constant draft. Columnar structures posed 



