146 M 



we must take care that the box is quite full of sand, 

 that nothing may derange the seeds ; the box ought 

 to be covered, but in such a manner that the air 

 may penetrate. We make an opening at the top, 

 which we cover with a trellis of brass wire, to admit 

 the air, without the mice or other animals being 

 able to reach the earth. The grains germinate 

 during their passage. When the case arrives at its 

 destination, we find the embryos of the seeds are 

 developed, and we immediately put them into a 

 proper soil : it is in this way that MM. Michaux, 

 father and son, brought to Europe so many species 

 of oaks from North America. 



Although certain seeds with a hard shell, such 

 as walnuts, plums, &c. do not come up until a long- 

 time after they have been sown, it would be proper, 

 when the kernel is oily, to follow the method we 

 have pointed out, that they may not turn rancid on 

 the passage. This precaution is also useful for the 

 family of laurels (laurineae), and that of myrtles 

 (myrt'O? especially when the vessel has to cross the 

 equatorial seas. 



When we wish to send the seeds of a pulpy fruit, 

 we must separate the grains from it; when the com- 

 mencement of its putrefaction announces their 

 maturity. We dry them, and place them in paper 



We now proceed to collections of dried vege- 

 tables, and other productions. It is by the help 



I 



