THE NURSERY-BOOK. 



CHAPTER I. 



SEEDAGE. 



1. REQUISITES OF GERMINATION. 



There are three external requisites to the germination 

 of seeds — moisture, free oxygen, and a definite temperature. 

 These requisites are demanded in different degrees and 

 proportions by seeds of different species, or even by seeds 

 of the same species when differing widely in age or in 

 degree of maturity. The supply of oxygen usually regu- 

 lates itself. It is only necessary that the seeds shall not 

 be planted too deep, that the soil is porous and not 

 overloaded with water. Moisture and temperature, how- 

 ever, must be carefully regulated. 



Regulation of Moisture. — Moisture is the most important 

 factor in seedage. It is usually ap- 

 plied to the seeds by means of soil 

 or some similar medium, as moss 

 or cocoanut fiber. Fresh and vig- 

 orous seeds endure heavy water- 

 ings, but old and poor seeds must 

 be given very little water. If there 

 is reason to suspect that the seeds 

 are weak, water should not be ap- 

 plied to them directly. A favorite 

 method of handling weak and also /. Double seed-pot. 



