PROPAGATION BY MEANS OF SEEDS AND SPORES 39 



sharp sand ; or the scant pulp of such seeds may be allowed 

 to rot off in the stratification box. Fleshy coverings of hard 

 and bony seeds may be removed by maceration. Allow them 

 to stand in water at a temperature of about 75 for one to three 

 weeks, and then wash them out. Resinous coverings are some- 

 times removed by mixing the seeds with fresh ashes or lime, 

 or by treating them with lye. Hard thick-walled seeds are 

 rarely injured by the decay of the pulpy covering, but thin- 

 walled seeds should be cleaned to avoid the possibility of 

 damage arising from the decay of the pulp. 



Transportation of seeds from abroad 



The transportation of certain kinds of seeds over long dis- 

 tances, especially on sea voyages, is often beset with difficulties. 

 Thick-meated or soft seeds may become too dry if stored in a 

 warm place, or too moist if stored in a cool one. The humid 

 atmosphere of the ocean is fatal to some seeds unless they are 

 well protected, and the moist and hot climates of some tropical 

 countries destroy many seeds of cooler regions before they can 

 be planted, or cause them to sprout in transit. Thin-coated 

 seeds demand dryness and air, and bony seeds usually need 

 moisture and a more confined atmosphere. Most seeds may 

 be sent dry and loose in coarse paper packages under all or- 

 dinary circumstances ; but if they are to traverse very hot and 

 moist climates, they should be sealed in tin cases or very se- 

 curely wrapped in oiled paper, in which case the seeds should 

 be thoroughly dried before being packed, and precautions taken 

 to insure the dryness of the air in the package. Small seeds 

 liable to become moldy may be packed in finely powdered 

 charcoal or other dry material. Apple and pear seeds are 

 often imported in this way. 



The seeds or fruits of woody plants require more careful 

 management. They should generally be transported in some 



