32 AMERICAN HANDBOOK 



cess greatly depends upon the operator; a 

 careful, persevering, determined hand, per- 

 forms more, and with better results, than a 

 hasty, undecided, and unpractical individual. 

 The latter mode, in the right kind of hands, 

 will give the most satisfaction in the end. 



III. ON RAISING TREES. 



12. For reasons already explained in the 

 last section, trees are far better for the plant- 

 er when raised artificially. Each tree's pe- 

 culiar treatment will be noticed in another 

 part ; here we may note a few generalities. 



13. Whenever it is convenient to raise 

 trees from seeds, they will become most 

 vigorous ; though, under favorable circum- 

 stances, cutting layers or grafts, will some- 

 times equal or excel. 



14. Many seeds lie two years in the ground 

 before they grow. Anything that will assist 

 the decomposition of their shells or outer 

 cases, hastens their germination. Applica- 

 tions of oxalic acid, or boiling water, have 

 been found useful, as well as allowing the 

 seed to lie in a heap and ferment ; or even 



