168 Subtropical Vegetable-Gardening 



mucilage will have disappeared from the seeds. It should 

 be stirred once or twice a day to mix the whole thoroughly, 

 so that the fermentation will go on evenly. As soon as 

 the seed will wash clean, it should be removed from the 

 barrel. 



If one has a hydrant or force-pump, the work of cleaning 

 seed can be greatly facilitated. A number 3 and a number 

 10 sieve should be provided beforehand for this work; 

 these can be obtained from most hardware stores. A large 

 tub should also be provided. This tub should be filled with 

 water and the number 3 sieve filled with some of the 

 pulp from the barrel immersed. While the sieve is under 

 water, the pulp is worked about to separate the seeds; 

 these being heavier pass through the sieve, while most of 

 the pulp and pieces of rind are caught. When nearly all 

 the seeds have passed through, the sieve is rinsed out 

 and the pulp removed. The operation is repeated until 

 a barrel of material has been worked through. Some of 

 the pieces of pulp that passed through the sieve can be 

 floated off by forcing water among the seed. The seed is 

 poured into the number 10 sieve and set aside to drain. 

 Protecting cloth will be found excellent to dry the seeds 

 on. They may be spread out to the sun for an hour or 

 two, and the drying completed in the shade. When 

 the seed is thoroughly dry, the remaining heavy particles 

 are winnowed and finally sifted out through the number 

 10 sieve. The seeds are then wrapped and labeled se- 

 curely. It will be advisable to look out for mice and 

 roaches as well as moisture. The seeds are wrapped in 

 glazed paper or parchment paper and placed in a tight 

 box. 



