THE CULTURE OF CONIFERS 29 



seeds before planting. The method of sowing and more especially 

 the treatment of seeds before sowing is of great importance. Gen- 

 erally speaking, the practice of causing the various seeds to germi- 

 nate before being sown will insure the successful culture of many 

 varieties which, without treatment, are almost impossible to grow. 



Steeping, sweating, and stratifying are the various methods used 

 to force the seeds to germinate. However, I will have this to say 

 from my experience in the handling and treatment of conifer seeds, 

 requiring treatment to force germination, I prefer the slow stratifi- 

 cation treatment to the quicker methods of applying artificial heat, 

 together with moisture, causing steeping and sweating to stimulate 

 rapid germination. 



The usual method of stratifying seeds is to mix the seed with 

 sand or soil, with a sufficient amount of moisture added to prevent 

 drying. Store the seeds thus treated in a bin for a sufficient length 

 of time to allow the germ to become well started. There is seldom 

 danger of loss from seeds that have started growth in the stratifica- 

 tion bin, in fact, the common practice with varieties of Oak acorns 

 is to force a small tender root growth of several inches before the 

 acorns are planted, the theory being that the seedlings develop a 

 better fibrous root system when handled in this manner. 



Through the skilful handling of the seed before sowing it is possi- 

 ble to produce maximum results with a minimum qviantity of seed, 

 which is the secret of the successful culture of nearly all varieties 

 of conifers by experienced propagators. Many varieties of conifer 

 seeds require a short period of treatment to prepare them properly 

 for planting, while some varieties require a slow, careful treatment, 

 covering a period of several months. Make frequent tests of the 

 seed in the stratification bin; cut the seed lengthwise and examine 

 carefully with a powerful glass. This will show you exactly what 

 is taking place; if the germ is developing too rapidly, it may be 

 necessary to remove some of the moisture from the mass and lower 

 the temperature. The object is to have the seed at just the right 

 point for germinating at the proper time for sowing. 



The Time for Sowing Conifer Seeds. For some varieties the best 

 results are obtained from sowing the seed in late autumn; others 

 respond and give better germination when planted in the early 

 spring. However, in spring planting the propagator must bear 



