SOWING. 183 



bodies, all which could be easily skimmed off. The 

 wheat seed being thus quickly cleansed, was immedi- 

 ately dried by sifting- quicklime over it when laid on 

 the floor, which got it soon in order for the sower. 

 This is now an established custom ; and persevered in 

 under the idea, that it prevents the disease called 

 smut, though it has not been discovered in what way 

 it acts as a preventive. Certain it is, however, the 

 coating of salt and caustic lime does no injury to the 

 seed, and may act as a defence to it against the attacks 

 of birds and ground insects. 



Much of the success of planting depends on the 

 choice of the seeds from which young trees are 

 raised, whether species or varieties. The properties 

 which are transferable from the parent tree to its 

 progeny are various> viz., resemblance in form and 

 colour of foliage, flowers, and fruit ; stature and 

 mode of growth ; in peculiar texture of the wood, as 

 to ponderosity, tenacity, and durability. Amongst 

 cultivated varieties of edible fruit-trees, all the above 

 properties are transferable by seeds, except the in- 

 creased size and improved qualities of the coverings 

 of the capsules and shells, and the robust habit of 

 the shoots and leaves. The qualities of kernels used 

 in the dessert, are generally transferable by sowing. 

 When, therefore, any of the first-mentioned proper- 

 ties of trees are required, seeds will convey them, 

 especially if the seeds be taken from young vigorous 

 trees, which exhibit the desired property most con- 

 spicuously. 



Looking at the natural forests of Scotch pine, or of 



