34 



because unless the data is absolutely correct, in records of experi- 

 ment, the whole is useless. I may here remark that as the 

 seed-pods burst, the seeds are scattered broadcast, and there would 

 appear to be some difficulty, in fact, an apparent impossibility, 

 in selecting the particular seeds of any one tree from the host of 

 others lying intermixed on the ground. With a little care and 

 close observation as to shape, colour and size, the task becomes 

 simple. Further, it may be pointed out that no two trees have 

 exactly the same seed formation. There is always some little 

 peculiarity in the seeds of each tree, and the original pods which 

 contained the seeds vary. Should doubt still exist pull a pod 

 from the tree in question, open it and place a supposed seed in one 

 of the sections. The observer will at once see whether it fits or 

 otherwise, the outline of all seeds from the same tree being more or 

 less alike. Again, one known seed of any one tree is always kept for 

 comparison and from quite a large collection of mixed seeds we found 

 no difficulty in separating those known from the unknown. 



Having now detailed the first course of procedure, the next 

 operation is to plant out the selected seeds as quickly as possible 

 after collection, otherwise they soon lose their vitality, in a specially 

 prepared nursery, each lot of seeds being kept entirely by itself : 

 thus providing a safe-guard against any chance of the lots being 

 inadvertently mixed when the seedlings are pulled for planting out. 



While the seeds were germinating, an area of 15 acres of virgin 

 jungle, slightly undulating and naturally drained, had been cleared, 

 holed and made ready for planting out the young seedlings in the 

 month of November. That month is selected because it comes at a 

 time of year when the wet-season is with us, and every other day is 

 dull or cloudy : thus ensuring a much better chance of successful 

 life to the young plants. 



Each respective lot of seedlings was carefully drawn from the 

 nursery and planted out in the prepared holes in the formation of 

 squares, fifty to a hundred seedlings in each square, 20' x 20' distance 

 apart. Every square is numbered, and on the original plan-sheet 

 all particulars of the parent tree ai-e recorded ; also where situate on 

 the estate, so that when the young seedlings reach the age of 

 maturity comparison can be made. 



Up to date, we can observe a great similarity to the parent tree 

 in so far as growth and general appearance goes, and we have every 

 reason to feel justified in thinking that the experiment well warrants 

 the time and trouble taken. 



It is not our intention to tap those trees at an age when girth 

 might wari'ant it, as is usually done in the ordinary course. They 

 will be given every justice, with the sole idea of keeping them 

 purely for seed-selection in the future, should the experiment bear 

 out our anticipations. 



