42 SEED SAVING. 



at all. Young plants that show a tendency to produce seed, should have the 

 dead flowers taken off, to allow the plant to attain vigor and maturity before 

 ripening seed. The native Nymphsea odorata, N. tuberosa, and most of their 

 forms produce seed freely. A very large percentage of what is produced is 

 devoured by fish, turtles, etc. , and it is difficult to save or harvest seed, except 

 in small ponds, where it is not difficult to get at the seed pods or capsules ; 

 they should be tied in muslin bags and be collected at intervals. As soon as the 

 seed is ripe, the pods burst and the seed rises to the surface, but if tied up in a bag, 

 is prevented from rising and spreading over the surface, and is easily collected. 



Where this is not practicable, a careful lookout for the seed must be made 

 about a month after the flower fades, quantities of seed can be skimmed off the 

 surface of the water as soon as the capsule bursts, but after a daj^ or two, the 

 seed all disappear; it either sinks to the bottom or floats to the edges of the 

 pond, or is washed away. 



The tender Nymphasas, such as N. zanzibarensis and its forms, and N. 

 dentata, also produce seed freely. Select strong plants, and allow only two or 

 three pods to mature on each plant; the seed of these species is much finer or 

 smaller than those of the hardy ones, and if not secured in bags, it is impossible 

 to collect it off the surface of the water. 



As the bags are collected, allow them to remain in water two or three 

 days before washing, and do not expose to full sun, as the extreme heat of 

 August will cause the seed to sprout and render it worthless for keep- 

 ing. Provide a fine and a coarse sieve; the mesh of the coarse one should be 

 about the size of that of ordinary mosquito netting, this will allow the seed of 

 the tender species (with the exception of N. gigantea) to pass through, thus 

 separating the seed from the dead parts of the flower and capsule. A fine 

 wire sieve or a gravy strainer, the size of a large cup, is an excellent article to 

 use for collecting the seed. It is necessary to use plenty of water in washing 

 and cleaning the seed, the seed of the hardy Nymphaeas being larger and 

 heavier, readily sinks in water, and is easy to clean. 



As each lot is washed, it should be laid on thick paper with the name 

 written on it, and then be securely stored away in an airy place to dry, airy, 

 yet secure from wind and mice; after it is dry, the seed may be stored away in 

 paper packets, (wax or parchment paper preferable), or put into tin boxes and 

 kept in a dry cool place until wanted for sowing. 



Some seed is best sown at once, and if seedlings can be carried overwinter, 

 they will make strong plants early in the season. It is perhaps best to sow all 



