222 LUTHER BURBANK 



to cause germination or to induce decay. Kept 

 in this way in a cool place until desired for plant- 

 ing, they will germinate with unusual vigor. 



If the apple seeds are wanted in large quanti- 

 ties, crush the fruit in a cider mill and wash the 

 seeds from the pomace. When only a few seeds 

 are to be taken from rare specimens of apples, the 

 seeds are usually removed hy hand. The seeds 

 may be planted in the open field as early as pos- 

 sible in the spring in rows three or four feet 

 apart, if cultivation is to be done with tractor or 

 horse. Ten to fourteen inches apart is sufficient 

 space for hand cultivation. 



Details as to methods of planting and care of 

 the seedlings have already been given in a sepa- 

 rate chapter and need not be repeated here. No 

 special cultural directions are required in grow- 

 ing the apple seedlings. They are cared for on 

 my farms very much as peas and beans are cared 

 for, and they are as easily grown, when the seed 

 has been kept in good condition. 



It is best, however, to inspect the young seed- 

 lings often and to remove all weak or slow-grow- 

 ing ones and those having slender stems and 

 thin, small leaves; and in particular any that 

 show the slightest evidence of mildew. 



It is not desirable to treat seedlings that are 

 grown for the production of new varieties with 



