BAISING THE PLANTS 41 



either not germinate at all, or will lie dormant until the 

 next year. 



Acorns, Chestnuts, and other big seeds, are often dibbled 

 in. A contrivance to make several holes at once is usually- 

 used. It consists of a board 3 feet long by 2 inches by 

 1| inches, with projecting pieces of the required depth 

 screwed on at 2 inches apart and fitted with a wide handle, 

 30 that two men, one on each side of the bed, may use it. 



^CuUUUUUUUUUULiUUL/ULm 

 Fig. 7. — Acorn Dibbler. 



If the seeds are soaked in tepid water for twenty-four 

 hours before being sown, the germination is considerably 

 hastened and the danger from birds and mice is reduced. 



The danger from late frost is rather increased by soaking 

 imless protection is given to the beds by use of mats. 



To prevent birds and mice eating the seeds, they should 

 be coated with red lead. The seed should be well damped, 

 if it has not been previously soaked, and put into a 

 box, and the powdered red lead sprinkled upon it. By 

 stirring with a stick the red lead is evenly distributed. 

 They should be allowed to dry thoroughly before being 

 sown. 



