120 SYLVICULTURE IN THE TROPICS 



PT. II 



to hasten the germination of these by soaking them in 

 water for twenty-four hours, or by plunging them for a 

 short time in hot water, or by filing one end (but this 

 is risky) ; or the seed may be kept in moist heaps, when 

 the heat produced by the beginning of fermentation 

 may accelerate the appearance of the plumule. With 

 Teak it is said that the lighting of a quick straw fire 

 over some layers of seed will stimulate germination. 



Fig. 21. Filling a granary, Sudan. The roof is on the ground to the left. 



But it is difficult to obtain a reliable test by these 

 methods, and the eye-test may have to suffice. 



In many parts of the Tropics, especially in those 

 parts having a moist, continuously hot climate, the seed 

 should be sown as soon after collection as possible. 

 This applies most particularly to the perishable seeds, 

 such as those which begin germinating before they 

 drop from the tree or immediately after, as in the case 

 of several Dipterocarps, or the Para-rubber tree, or those 

 which are very small, or contain much moisture, or are 



