SEEDLINGS OF COXIFER^. 



61 



Moisture and heat are requisites of germination ; con- 

 sequently, if the soil is dry at the time of sowing, or dry 

 weather follows, w\ater must be applied to the bed from 

 time to time as required, but extremes in giving too 

 much or too little must be carefully avoided. This is 

 a nice point, and can be determined only by the experi- 

 ence, skill, and good Judgment of the cultivator. 



The seeds of most of our coniferae germinate freely and 

 quickly, but the young seedlings, when in what is termed 

 the first or seed-leaf stage, fig. 23, 

 are extremely sensitive to any con- 

 siderable change of temj^erature or 

 hydrometical condition of the air or 

 soil, and, in fact, this is considered 

 the critical i^eriod in the life of the 

 young plant. If the weather is 

 warm and wet, the soft succulent 

 stems soon rot, or damp off, as it is 

 termed. Dusting the surface of the 

 bed and plants with fine dry sand, 

 or what is still better, burnt and 

 pulverized clay, will usually prevent 

 further loss, unless the weather 

 should continue unfavorable for 

 many days. On the other hand, 

 water must not be withheld in dry 

 time for fear of causing the plants 

 to rot, for wilting caused by want of moisture is almost 

 as fatal to the plants as too much. After the second, or 

 true leaves appear, the critical period may be considered 

 past, and ordinary care only will be required during the 

 remainder of the season. But it is well to apply water as 

 needed throughout the summer. If the seedlings are 

 raised in a cold climate some slight protection may be 

 given during winter. It is not necessary or advisable to 

 try to keep out the frost, but merely to spread something 



Fiof. 23. — SEEDLING PINE. 



