THE ART OF THE SECOND GROWTH 



A. Seed years: 



The atmospheric condition of the year or years during which 

 tlie seed is formed influence the quality of the seed. Drought in 

 summer and early frosts in fall cause the seeds to drop immature. 

 Black Oaks and Pines require two years for the formation of seeds. 

 Juniper three years. It seems as if all trees require a number of 

 years for the preparation of seeds, inasmuch as the medullary rays 

 before a seed year are found full of starch, and after a seed year 

 devoid of starch. This phenomenon may explain the periodical 

 occurrence of seed years in Bamboo and Canebrakes, in Chestnut, 

 Oak, Beech, Pine, etc. 



The length of the period elapsing between seed years depends on 

 the local climate and the position of the trees, being short for trees 

 standing in orchard-like positions on warm and sheltered ground 

 where abundant heat allows of the rapid accumulation of starch. 



B. Rest: 



After dropping from the tree, all seeds undergo a period of rest 

 in our climate. This rest is very short in the case of Cottonwood, 

 Willow, Elm and Soft Maple. In the majority of cases, in Eastern 

 North America, it lasts from November to April. In rare cases 

 (C4erman Ash, German Linden, Red Cedar, Hornbeam) the period of 

 inactivity covers about seventeen months. Seeds which get too dry 

 while stored, often show a prolonged period of rest. For White 

 Oak acorns the period of rest is but one month; for Red Oak acorns 

 five months. The assumption that frost is required during the 

 resting period for the benefit of the seed is erroneous. The germin- 

 ating percentage is greatest immediately at the conclusion of the 

 period of rest. 



C. Tests: 



Germinating tests are made with from 50 to 200 grains. 



I. Water test applicable to large seeds. Thrown in water, the 

 good seeds will sink, and the bad seeds will float. 



II. Cutting tests, made with a knife, used for testing acorns, 

 chestnuts, nuts of Nutpines, also seeds of Ash, Yellow Poplar, 

 Beech, etc. 



III. Hot-pan tests for conifers, which causes good seeds to jump 

 and burst, poor seeds to burn and char. 



IV. Pot tests made in the following manner: Fill the lower half 

 of a flower pot with sawdust, the upper half with sand in which the 

 seeds are imbedded. Place the pot in a basin partially filled with 

 water, in a warm room. 



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