52 PROPAGATION 



Vitality of Seeds. It may be assumed that most seeds 

 germinate best if sown as soon as ripe. Although many seeds, if 

 carefully stored, retain their vitality for many years (as palms), they 

 decline appreciably in vigour with age, and the progeny of old seed 

 is generally less robust than that from seed recently harvested. In 

 the case of plants of the Gourd family, however, old seed is 

 sometimes preferred, as this is considered to yield plants of a more 

 fruitful and less leafy nature. Ceara rubber seeds, too, are generally 

 supposed to germinate better when at least a year or two old 

 (See under Testing Vitality of Seeds). 



Sowing Seed. Seeds vary in size and character so much 

 that no hard and fast rule can be laid down for sowing. Certain 

 conditions are, however, essential in all cases. All seeds are best 

 sown in line, light soil, easily permeable to the young roots as well 

 as to the plumule. The surface soil should be made moderately 

 firm and even ; this will ensure the seeds being sown at a uniform 

 depth, and aid in maintaining a moist surface. The proper amount 

 of soil for covering the seeds varies according to the size of the 

 latter. A good general rule is to cover seeds to a depth equal 

 to their smallest diameter. Large seeds should not be buried much 

 below the surface, whilst small seeds may as a rule be covered 

 one-tenth of an inch. Seeds sown in the field, plot, or nursery- bed 

 require to be buried deeper than is necessary for germination, so 

 as to protect them from vermin, etc., and to allow for wash by rains. 

 Seeds which take long to germinate, as Nutmeg, Palms, etc., should 

 be sown about an inch below the surface. In all cases of garden 

 or field crops, the seeds should, whenever practicable, be sown in 

 rows, never broadcast if avoidable. Sowing in rows economises 

 seed, and enables the seedlings being better attended to in regard 

 to weeding, thinning out, etc. 



Sowing at stake, which is sometimes adopted in the case of 

 field crops, as Rubber, Tea, etc., consists in sowing the seeds in 

 the position which the plants are to occupy when grown up ; thus 

 holes are prepared in lines and filled in, the position being marked by 

 placing the stake (already used for lining) in the centre ; one to three 

 seeds are sown close to the stake, the weaker seedlings being 

 afterwards removed as required. 



In sowing very small seeds, as those of some annuals and 

 vegetables, one is very liable to sow too thickly. A good plan is to 

 " bulk" very small seed by mixing with it finely sifted soil or saw- 

 dust, as this enables the seed to be sown more thinly and evenly. 

 When seedlings are large enough to handle they should be 



