52 A MANUAL OF FORESTRY. 



and expense. The seed of the Elm ripens, on an 

 average, at the end of May or in the early part of June, 

 and loses its germinating power very rapidly ; hence it 

 should be sown at once. The seed of Silver Fir ripens 

 in autumn, and as it does not keep well, it should be 

 sown at once, and not kept till spring. Many foresters 

 prefer sowing heavy seeds, like those of Oak, Beech and 

 Sweet Chestnut, in autumn, because they are bulky and 

 it is expensive to keep them in. good condition over 

 winter. At the same time these heavy seeds are much 

 exposed to attacks by animals during winter, and as 

 autumnal sowings germinate early in spring the seed- 

 lings are exposed to late frosts ; hence sowing them in 

 autumn is of doubtful expediency. 



In some cases autumn sowings are indicated in 

 localities which are not accessible until late in spring, 

 such as high altitudes where snow does not disappear 

 before June. Again, Alder seed is frequently sown in 

 winter, immediately after harvesting, as it is difficult to 

 keep until spring. 



To sum up, it may be said that in temperate Europe 

 spring sowing should be the rule, but that certain 

 species and certain local conditions demand exceptional 

 treatment. 



In other parts of the world, under different climatic 

 conditions, the best time for sowing also varies according 

 to circumstances. In the Indian plains and low hills 

 the general rule is to sow at the commencement of the 

 summer rains, because the seeds will then be assured of 

 a sufficient supply of moisture, and the seedlings will 

 have time to establish themselves thoroughly in the 

 ground, before the next dry season comes round. Sow- 



