ioo HAND-BOOK OF TREE-PLANTING. 



Class III. Nuts and Acorns. 



"These should be gathered as soon as they 

 fall, separated from their hulls or cups, and 

 partially dried, if to be stored. 



" Most of the oaks, and notably the chest- 

 nuts, need to be gathered as soon as they fall, 

 and then partially dried, as they are prone to 

 germinate immediately on the damp earth, and 

 their tender radicles are easily broken off in 

 handling. It is best, therefore, to mix these 

 seeds with moderately damp sand so soon as 

 gathered, and keep them in the coolest temper- 

 ature and under cover. Better still, however, 

 where practicable, to plant them in the drills 

 as soon as convenient after they are procured. 



" Walnuts and hickories are easily managed, 

 and may be preserved in good condition if kept 

 dry and cool ; but, if too warm, these oily seeds 

 are liable to become rancid, when their vitality 

 will be destroyed." 



Class IV. Hard Seeds and Refractory. 



" Some seeds are so indurated, or so closely 

 and carefully incased, that their vitality is pre- 



