16 SPICES 



CHAP. 



made in a few minutes on the estate and will do for 

 any kind of spraying. 



GENERAL HINTS 



In selecting seeds of any plant for cultivation, if 

 possible, always take by preference the best stock from 

 well-known, strong and producing trees, even if it costs 

 more than unselected seed. In the tropics the duration 

 of the life of the seed is shorter than in cold climates. 

 Seed kept for any length of time deteriorates, and in 

 germinating often causes disappointment. The seed 

 must be fresh, recently gathered, and kept in a cool, 

 shady spot until sown. Seeds that have been kept too 

 long, especially if hard-coated, such as nutmegs, may 

 be assisted in germinating by soaking in water for a 

 few hours before planting. Warm water is preferred. 

 As a rule, seed does not require to be planted deep in 

 the soil. It should be just covered and no more. 



Cuttings should always be made with a sharp knife, 

 so as not to bruise the tissue. It must be remembered 

 that roots and buds can only be emitted at a node or 

 joint, and the cut should be made a little below the node, 

 so as to leave a small portion of the internode to hold 

 the cutting in the ground until the roots are emitted. 

 Cuttings are very liable to the attack of fungi. Should 

 it be found that the cuttings in a nursery bed are 

 constantly or much attacked by any fungi, the bed 

 should be abandoned and the soil thoroughly disinfected 

 with Bordeaux mixture and lime. 



In planting the soil should be pressed firmly against 

 the base of the cutting. Khizome cuttings, such as 

 those of turmeric and ginger, should be sufficiently large. 

 If there is any fungus disease in the bed from which 

 they are taken, it is advisable to soak them for a few 

 hours in a weak solution of copper sulphate to disinfect 

 them. 



Nursery beds should be well dug and the sods broken 

 up so as to resemble garden soil. It should be damp, 



