26 



The width of the beds varies from 4 to 6 feet. The dis- 

 tance at which the seeds are planted is from 4 to 6 inches. 

 Ung-erminated seeds are carefully pressed into the soil 

 with the hilum underneath so that they are just covered 

 by the soil. The germinated seeds when planted out are 

 put into the ground with the radicle downwards. 



On one estate I saw a small "saw board" used for 

 planting out the seeds (see figure IT). It was 6 inches 

 in breadth, and notches were made on both edges at 

 intervals of six inches so that the notches on opposite 

 sides alternated. When the seeds were to be sown, they 



FIGURE u. 

 Implement for seeding. 



6 inch -'- 3 inch 



would be pressed jnto the ground by the notches on 

 one side, the board would then be turned round and 

 the seeds laid out again for the alternate notches. They 

 would therefore be planted out in quincunx fashion 

 with six inches between the rows. A wide distance is 

 recommended if stumps are used, the stem and leaves 

 as well as the roots have then an opportunity to develop 

 strongly. The beds are carefully watched and not shaded 

 for the first week after sowing, but later on, especially 

 if there is no rain, a light shade is given by putting the 

 leaves of ferns (Gleichenia dichotoma) between the seeds 



