212 SPICES 



CHAP. 



twelve months they are ready for transplanting. The 

 system of planting a quantity of seeds together seems 

 to have been derived from the idea that some would 

 fail and vacancies would have to be supplied, but this 

 with care need not be, it being better to plant the 

 seeds along the lines singly, about 9 in. to 12 in. apart, 

 or even less. 



The shading should remain till the plants are 6 or 

 8 in. tall and sufficiently strong to stand the sun, or it 

 may be gradually lightened so as to accustom the plants 

 to the full light. The shading in all nurseries must not 

 be too dark. Broken light and shade is always better and 

 more natural for seedlings than excessive shading. Many 

 transplant the seedlings earlier than twelve months, viz. 

 at three or four months. This really depends on the 

 strength and size of the seedling. 



Propagation from Cuttings. The cinnamon can 

 also be propagated by cuttings, which is a quicker way 

 than raising from seed. The shoots selected for cuttings 

 should be very young, not having more than three 

 leaves, or they will not strike. They should be taken 

 from old trees and stuck in nursery beds, shaded, and 

 continually watered. 



Layering has also been recommended. The cinnamon 

 bush lends itself to this method, for the side branches 

 of the bush are easily pressed down upon the ground. 

 Being pegged down they will put out roots and can be 

 eventually cut off as young plants. 



Transplanting Old Stumps. This is much approved 

 of, as these old stumps when transplanted yield shoots 

 of the usual size twelve months after they have been 

 placed in the ground. The greatest care is required in 

 removing them, as if any of the roots, even those of -fa 

 in. in diameter, are injured, the stump, it is said, will die. 

 Before removing them all the branches should be cut 

 down to within 6 in. of the ground, with one stroke of 

 a sharp knife, to avoid splitting. Then the stump 

 should be carefully dug round and lifted. After 

 transplanting they should be well covered with earth, 



