170 



SEEDING AND PLANTING 



high and fluctuating temperature is shown in a set of experi- 

 ments, reported by Cox, 1 with seed stored in cloth sacks for a 

 period of three years. It was stored under three temperature 

 conditions at Washington, D. C., and at the termination of three 

 years the seed was tested for germinative capacity with the follow- 

 ing results: 



35. STORAGE IN SEALED CANS, CARBOYS, AND BOXES 



In recent years many investigators have conclusively demon- 

 strated that seed that can be kept in dry storage maintains both 

 germinative energy and germinative capacity best when in air- 

 tight receptacles. Cieslar's investigations in Austria, Haack's 2 

 comprehensive experiments on the storage of Scotch pine seed in 

 Prussia, and the more recent investigations of the U. S. Forest 

 Service reported by Cox 3 show the superiority of this method of 

 storage, particularly when the seed is stored for one or more 

 years. Air-tight storage is not only desirable for first quality 

 seed but even more desirable for seed that is relatively poor at 

 the time of storage. Haack's researches show that exposing the 

 seed to direct sunlight for a few days or placing it in a well-warmed 

 room until the weight is reduced 1 or 2 per cent brings it into 

 favorable condition for sealed storage. 



At the Prussian seed establishment at Eberswalde 4 pine and 

 spruce seeds are stored in glass carboys. The carboys are placed 

 in a dark cellar having an even temperature of approximately 46 F. 



1 Cox, \V. T. : Reforestation on the national forests. (U. S. Forest Service, 

 Bui. 98, p. 28. 1911.) 



2 Haack, Oberforster: Der Kiefernsamen. (Zeitschrift f. Forst- u. Jagd- 

 wesen, S. 353-381. 1909.) 



3 Cox, W. T.: Ibid. 



4 Wiebecke, Forst meister: Die Anwendung neuen Erkennes und Konnens 

 auf die Kiefernsamendarre. (Zeitschrift f. Forst- u. Jagdwesen, S. 342-360. 

 1910.) 



