In pleasure grounds and for general ornamental planting it is 

 quite a favorite, especially in the East, because of the unusual char- 

 acter of the leaves and the interesting and unique winter aspect of 

 the tree; the blunt, naked branches give it a peculiar dead appear- 

 ance, which is further augmented by the absence of foliage until late 

 in the spring. 



METHODS OF PROPAGATION. 



The fruit, which matures in September or October, is a thick, 

 broad pod, containing 6 to 9 large seeds (beans), inclosed in a jelly- 

 like pulp. It is produced abundantty, and in the South and West 

 gives rise to fair stands of seedlings in the neighborhood of the 

 mother trees. The coffeetree is reproduced to a very limited extent 

 by root suckers. 



Because of the heavy nature of the seeds and the lack of any special 

 means of dissemination, natural regeneration is not extensive. The 

 root sprouts are also limited to the area which the main roots cover. 

 Artificial propagation must be resorted to, therefore, as the only 

 sure and rapid means of coffeetree reproduction. 



The pods remain unopened on the trees for some months after 

 reaching maturity, and may be collected at any time during the late 

 fall or winter. They should be macerated in water, the seeds sepa- 

 rated from the pods and pulp, and dried. In this condition the 

 seed may be kept in a cool, dry place for several years with only a 

 slight annual diminution in vitality. If desired for planting the fol- 

 lowing spring, they should be stratified in sand or stored dry during 

 the winter. 



Seed should be planted early in the spring after the following 

 treatment has been given: 



Place in a tub or pail the seeds which are to be planted and pour 

 very warm water (150 to 160 F.) over them, stirring vigorously 

 during the operation. Continue to stir for fifteen or twenty minutes, 

 then cover the vessel and leave the seeds to soak for two or three days. 

 At the end of this time sort out the seeds that have swollen, using 

 a sieve with a mesh that will allow the seeds not swollen to pass 

 through. Pour off the water from the remainder and soak again in 

 warm water. Continue this treatment until all the seeds have become 

 spongy and swollen. After being thus treated the seeds must not be 

 allowed to dry out, but should be planted immediately. 



Plant the seeds in nursery rows 2 to 3J feet apart, spacing them 2 

 or 3 inches in the row, and covering 1 to 2 inches deep, and afterwards 

 press the dirt down firmly. 



One pound of seed contains about 450 seeds and is sufficient to sow 

 75 linear feet of drills. This amount should produce 250 to 300 

 plants. 



[Cir. 91] 



