IN ROOMS. 561 



ware pots, which are placed in the ground. It has also proved 

 useful to mix ashes with sj'camore, ash and other seed in a 

 cask placed in a dry, well-ventilated locality. 



Seed-trenches should be dug in dry, well- ventilated places, 

 secure from drainage-water, and a layer of sand should be placed 

 at their base. The seeds should then be put in, well mixed 

 with sand (not in alternating layers with it) till the trench is 

 full, two bundles of straw inserted to secure ventilation, and the 

 trench covered with earth. Pedunculate acorns may thus be 

 kept over winter in good condition, but the method is less 

 suitable for sessile acorns. 



4. Storing on Banks under Thatch. 



In this method after the seed has been fairly dried, it is placed 

 on long banks raised about 8 inches or a foot (20 — 30 centi- 

 meters) above the ground under a light thatch of straw or dead 

 leaves. Or a flat place may be slightly excavated in the ground 

 and covered by a thatched roof high enough to allow a man to 

 inspect the seed. The seed can then be turned, and its covering 

 modified according to changes of temperature, which is a great 

 advantage. 



This method is applicable to acorns of both species of oak 

 and beech-nuts, the seed being mixed with sand as before. By 

 altering the thickness of the thatch and turning the acorns, 

 they are protected against frost and over-heating. Beech-nuts 

 require a cool, damp place, and the ground should be watered 

 lor them during very dry weather : they are fairly hardy against 

 frost, and well-ventilated places suit them, v/hich may be paved 

 with stones. When thus kept, however, they must be regularly 

 turned and watered. 



5. Storinfi in Rooms. 



Sacks of acorns and chestnuts may be kept in cellars, only 

 when the latter are sufficiently dry and well ventilated. 



Several other kinds of seed such as that of silver-fir may be 

 kept in rooms. In a room free from frost, or at any rate, 

 from low degrees of temperature, silver-fir seed mixed with the 

 scales of the cones may be placed on shelves, either alone, or 



VOL. V. o 



