SEED AGE. 23 



the under soil remains dry. Hot sand, sifted over the plants, 

 will check it,. but there is no complete remedy. Attention to 

 the above suggestions will serve as a preventive. 



The transportation of certain kinds of seeds over long dis- 

 tances, especially on sea voyages, is often beset with difficulties. 

 Thick-meated or soft seeds may become too dry if stored in a 

 warm place or too moist if stored in a cool" one. The humid 

 atmosphere of the ocean is fatal to some seeds unless they are 

 well protected, and the moist and hot climates of some tropical 

 countries destroy many seeds of cooler regions before they can 

 be planted. Thin-coated seeds demand dryness and air, and 

 bony seeds usually need moisture and a more confined atmos- 

 phere. Most seeds may be sent dry and loose in coarse paper 

 packages under all ordinary circumstances ; but if they are to 

 traverse very hot and moist climates, they should be sealed in tin 

 cases or very securely wrapped in oiled paper, in which case 

 the seeds should be thoroughly dried before being packed. 

 Small seeds which are liable to become moldy may be packed 

 in finely powdered charcoal. Apple and pear seeds are often 

 imported in this manner. The seeds or fruits of woody plants 

 require more careful management. They should generally be 

 transported in some sort of stratification. A favorite method is 

 to place them in boxes or jars, mixed with naturally moist sand 

 or sawdust, or slightly moist dead sphagnum moss. Some prefer 

 to seal the packages hermetically, but under ordinary conditions 

 this is unnecessary. In transit, the packages should be stored in 

 a medium and uniform temperature. Even acorns, which are 

 often difficult to transport over long voyages, may be carried in 

 this manner with safety. It is important that the soil should not 

 be wet. Natural soil from a dryish and loamy pasture is excel- 

 lent. In some cases it is better to sprout the seeds in the native 

 country and ship the seedlings in a closed or Wardian case. 



It should be borne in mind that actual plantings rarely give 

 so good results as seed tests, from the fact that conditions are 

 more variable. There is often a variation of over fifty per 

 cent, even when the planting has been carefully done. This is 

 proof that liberal seeding should always be practiced. 



