31 



them with the hand or otherwise, and free them from the pulp. 

 This may be done by washing, as the seeds will readily settle, 

 while the pulp will float, and may be drained off. The seeds 

 may be preserved in sand, or in the ordinary paper seed-bags, 

 and stored in a cool, dry place till wanted ; or they may be sown 

 at once in boxes, or in the open ground. Care must be taken 

 that the seeds are not too deeply covered, say not more than 

 one fourth of an inch. Press the soil firmly over the seeds, and 

 and be watchful lest the soil becomes dry before they have- 

 germinated. The young plants will begin to show themselves 

 in a few weeks, and must receive careful attention. If sown in 

 midsummer, the} 7 will encounter the dryest and hottest weather, 

 when watering and partial shading will be sometimes indispen- 

 sable. 



If started in boxes, they may be transplanted to the open 

 ground as soon as a few leaves have pushed, giving them suita- 

 ble distance to develop and form robust plants. Watering and 

 shading at this time are very important, and must be continued 

 until the young seedlings have become well established. For 

 shading a few plants seedlings of ain* kind I have found 

 nothing better or more convenient than small flower-pots. 

 These are inverted over the plant in the middle of the day, but 

 removed at night and in damp, cloudy weather. As the bottoms 

 of such pots are perforated, the plant has sufficient air, and they 

 are not disturbed by the wind. The cost of pots is at present 

 so small as to be no objection to their use. 



Where many seedlings are grown, a low frame consisting of 

 a narrow board may be formed around the bed, and screens 

 made by nailing laths to narrow strips of board, so as to leave 

 open spaces about equal to the width of the lath. These screens 

 placed over the bed of seedlings will afford the requisite shade, 

 as the constant movement of the sun will prevent its rays from 

 striking upon a plant more than a few minutes at a time. 



Plants treated as here recommended, if successfully wintered, 

 will give fruit the next season when only a year old ; but a 

 longer trial will be required to determine whether any will prove 

 of real value. 



In planting out these tender seedlings, select soil prepared 

 with extra care in the most favorable location. If you propose 



