FOREST TREE SEED AND SEED COLLECTING 175 



they must be packed in such a manner that they will not suffer 

 from becoming too dry or too moist. 



Seeds that permit of dry storage are usually shipped in sacks 

 made of canvas or heavy cotton cloth. The sacks are usually 

 double, i.e., those containing the seeds are enclosed in others of 

 heavier material, in order to assure against danger from leakage. 

 When shipment is made by freight the sacks are boxed or crated. 

 The above method is that usually followed in shipping coniferous 

 seed. Walnuts, hickory nuts, acorns, and the fruit of other large- 

 seeded species may be shipped loose in the car or in burlap sacks 

 holding from 1 to 2 bushels each. If not overmoist and if shipped 

 during cool weather, the fruit or seed is not injured by 2 or 3 

 weeks in transport. 



On long voyages, particularly by sea, seeds are likely to be- 

 come overdry or too moist if packed in ordinary wrappers. If 

 sealed in cases or securely wrapped in paraffined paper, conifer- 

 ous and other species that are ordinarily stored in dry condition 

 can be safely shipped long distances under extreme conditions 

 of atmospheric temperature and humidity. When packed they 

 should be in the best condition as to moisture content, and the 

 package and air in the package should be dry. Small seeds are 

 often packed in powdered charcoal which absorbs any excess 

 moisture that may gain access to the package. Even chestnuts, 

 acorns, and other seeds of like nature, if kept in cold storage, 

 may be shipped long distances. So far as possible all seeds that 

 permit of dry storage should be placed in cool, dry rooms during 

 shipment, and the shipment should be timed so as to reach its 

 destination just before the time required for planting. 



