DIRECT SOWINGS. 241 



them. For this there are two principal methods : 

 (1) by natural heat, or (2) by artificial heat. The 

 first is to be preferred as it approaches more nearly 

 the method adopted by nature, and by it the seeds 

 retain their vigour better. The cones are spread out 

 on sheets and exposed to the sun, and when the 

 scales open, they are violently shaken till the 

 seeds fall out. But by this method many of the seeds 

 still adhere to the cones, and there is complete ex- 

 posure to all the changes of the weather during the 

 drying ; moreover, the process is long, and requires 

 a good deal of room. It is for this reason that the 

 second method is preferred. 



Various kinds of drying houses have been con- 

 structed. We proceed to describe one which has 

 yielded the best results so far as the quality of the 

 seeds is concerned, and by which also large quantities 

 can be obtained at once. On the ground-floor is 

 established a hot air stove with conduit-pipes which 

 lead into a close room on the first floor. The heated 

 air strikes against a large cast iron cap, which pre- 

 vents the seeds from falling into the pipes. On the 

 floor are placed movable frames, with canvas bottoms 

 to receive the seeds. Above the&e, other movable 

 frames or sieves are supported one above the other ; 

 the bottom of these is formed of wire netting with 

 rather large meshes, and they are intended to receive 

 the cones. Lastly, draught chimneys are constructed 

 in the corners ; they open on a level with the floor, 

 and may be opened and closed at pleasure. For 

 the working of the frames as many little doors are 

 made in the wall of the adjoining room as there are 



