16 THE NURSERY AND THE ORCH^BT). 



ounces of seed obtained from a reliable seedman and 

 treated as directed in tbis cbapter will produce enough 

 seedlings for an experiment which will usually result in 

 the production of a number of first-class trees. Seedlings 

 of all kinds require careful cultivation to insure a vigor- 

 ous growth the first year. Healthy trees cannot be ob- 

 tained from diseased seedlings. 



It is claimed that the Best Peach Seeds are obtained from 

 the sound, ripe fruit of seedling trees, called natural, as 

 distinguished from the seeds of budded and grafted trees. 

 It is true, however, that the perfect seeds of strong^ 

 healthy budded or grafted trees produce seedlings on 

 which excellent trees are grown. 



The seeds of the very early varieties are imperfect and 

 will not germinate when planted. Do not allow peach 

 seeds to become dry ; but as soon as gathered place them 

 in a box or barrel mixed with dirt and leave exposed to 

 the weather. Plant early in the fall, in moderately rich 

 soil. Land that will produce one-half a bale of cotton 

 per acre without manure is rich enough. It is a good 

 plan to sow peas on the ground intended for peach seeds 

 and turn under in the fall. Prepare the land the same as 

 for cotton, and plant the seeds two or three inches apart 

 in rows three and one-half feet distant. Cover two or 

 three inches deep. 



If too thick when they come up in the spring, thin out 

 the young seedlings to five or six inches apart. 



If seeds become dry and are not planted till spring, 

 they should be cracked before planting. When scarce, it 

 is a good plan to spread the seeds out on a smooth piece 

 of ground in a layer a few inches deep, with a covering 

 of three or four inches of sand. When exposed in this 



