CHAPTER I. 



SEEDAGE. 



Seedage. The process or operation of propagating by seeds or spores, 

 or the state or condition of being propagated by seeds or spores. 



THERE are three external requisites to the germination of 

 seeds moisture, free oxygen, and a definite tempera- 

 ture. These requisites are demanded in different degrees 

 and proportions by seeds of different species, or even by seeds 

 of the same species when differing widely in age or degree of 

 maturity. The supply of oxygen usually regulates itself. It is 

 only necessary that the seeds shall not be planted too deep, that 

 the soil is porous and not overloaded with water. Moisture 

 and temperature, however, must be carefully regulated. 



Regulation of Moisture. Moisture is the most important 

 factor in seedage. It is usually applied to the seeds by means 

 of soil or some similar medium, as 

 moss or cocoanut fiber. Fresh and vig- 

 orous seeds endure heavy waterings, 

 but old and poor seeds must be treated 

 sparingly. If there is reason to sus- 

 pect jtrrat> '.the "seeds are'w^ak, water 

 shquld not I3e "applied to them directly. 

 A favofeit^ m^third of ^h?mdliing them is 

 to sow\hea? m'a p\??cxf iobse; a!n,3 sandy 



loam which is set inside a Iar 8 er P ot ' 

 the intermediate space being filled with 



moss, to which, alone, the water is ap- 

 plied. This device is illustrated in Fig. i. The water soaks 

 through the walls of the inner pot and is supplied gradually and 



N. 



