30 THE RUBBER TREE BOOK 



The seeds of the Hevea have as stated elsewhere in this 

 book a very feeble hold on existence, and unless very promptly 

 planted, perish. There are, however, many trees and plants, 

 the seeds of which have great vitality and which can be kept 

 for months, and, in some cases, even for years and yet germinate 

 thereafter if placed in suitable surroundings. This circum- 

 stance has given rise to many scientific discussions as to what 

 the nature of that life can be which can remain apparently sus- 

 pended for such long periods. Wheat-grains are a well-known 

 case in point. While it is just a popular error to suppose that 

 the wheat-grains buried along with Egyptian mummies three, 

 four or five thousand years ago can ever germinate, yet there is 

 no doubt but that grains of wheat can be kept for at least two 

 or three years without entire loss of vitality. Many hard- 

 shelled seeds and nuts enjoy the same tenacious hold on 

 existence. 



The seeds of the Hevea are of fairly large size, and as they 

 contain a great deal of oil, many projects for collecting them 

 and crushing them in oil-mills have been mooted. So far 

 nothing serious has been attempted in this direction, nor does 

 there appear to be any present prospect of a practical out- 

 come in connection with it. 



