WHITE PINE 141 



As soon as the scales open the seeds drop out, but the cone 

 remains on the tree until the next spring. There are two 

 seeds at the base of each scale, but those at the ends of the 

 cone are not always fertile. The seed is about the size, and 

 quite the same color, of an apple seed, and to it is attached 

 a thin brown wing about one fourth inch wide and from 

 three fourths to one inch long. This wing is so formed that 

 when the seed falls from the cone a gyrating motion is set 

 up, causing it to fall slowly, and giving the wind a good 

 opportunity to carry it quite a distance. Instances can be 

 shown where the wind has carried the seeds a full half-mile. 

 The scales usually open about the last week in August 

 or the first week of September, varying according to the 

 weather and latitude. If dry they open early, and if wet 

 they may not for a week or ten days later. If seeds are to 

 be gathered the cones must be secured before the scales 

 open, for then the seeds drop out. As soon as collected the 

 cones must be placed where they will dry readily. They 

 should be spread out thin, and in no case be allowed to 

 heat or mould, for if either occurs the vitality of the seeds 

 is greatly lessened if not totally destroyed. The cones must 

 be placed where the sun can shine on them or in any dry 

 place where neither birds, squirrels, nor mice can get at 

 them. If a room can be provided where a temperature of 

 seventy-five degrees can be kept up, with good ventilation, 

 the opening of the scales will be greatly hastened. If laid 

 on a wire screen to a depth of three inches, and frequently 

 stirred, nearly all the seeds will drop out ; but if they do 

 not, the cones may be put into a common grain bag and a 

 few vigorous blows given on some hard object, when sub- 

 stantially all will be freed. The wings must then be rubbed 

 off and all dirt cleaned out and the seeds put in a bag 

 and hung up in a cool, dry place until planting-time. They 

 should be thoroughly dry before they are put away. Where 

 a large number of cones are to be cared for, a room with 

 artificial heat should be provided, and the cones placed on 

 screens and racks and frequently stirred. Ample ventila- 



