TRANSPORTATION OF EXOTIC SEEDS. ig 



about 75 for one to three weeks, and then wash them out. 

 Resinous coverings are sometimes removed by mixing the 

 seeds with fresh ashes or lime, or by treating them with lye. 

 Hard, thick-walled seeds are rarely injured by the decay of 

 the pulpy covering, but thin-walled seeds should be cleaned, 

 to avoid the possibility of damage arising from the decay of 

 the pulp. 



Transportation of Seeds from Abroad. The transporta- 

 tion of certain kinds of seeds over long distances, 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 at- 

 mosphere 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 be- 

 fore they can be planted, or cause them to sprout in transit. 

 Thin-coated seeds demand dryness and air, and bony seeds 

 usually need moisture and a more confined atmosphere. 

 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, and precautions taken to insure the dryness 

 of the air in the package. 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 



