METHODS OF PLANTING MOST SUITED TO FLORIDA. 35 



and the seed is distributed broadcast in an even and uniform layer 

 and covered lightly with pure sand to a depth of not more than one- 

 fourth of an inch. After this the flats are kept moist, but not wet, 

 and partly shaded, till germination takes place, which usually is in 

 from one to two weeks from the time of sowing the seed. 



The most critical time is just after the seedlings have germinated. 

 At this period they require great care and particular attention to the 

 amount of water given them, because they are apt to be attacked by 

 a fungous disease known as " damping off." Conditions favorable to 

 this disease are produced by an excess of moisture and lack of a free 

 circulation of air. On the other hand, lack of sufficient moisture will 

 cause them to dry out and wither. In either case the young plants 

 die. The rule is to keep the plants moist, but not wet ; to water often, 

 but sparingly. 



After the seedlings have reached a size of from 2 to 4 inches they 

 are transplanted to other flats with a little stiffer soil, in regular 

 rows about 2 inches apart each way or, preferably, in paper pots. In 

 the former case there will be 108 plants to each flat; in the latter case 

 if 3-inch pots are used, only 48 plants to each flat. Having the plants 

 in the flats or pots makes handling much easier, both in the nursery 

 and in field planting, and also facilitates the counting of the stock. 

 The transplanting into flats or pots is best done on a rainy or cloudy 

 day, for the roots of the young seedlings are very delicate and are 

 killed if they become dry. After being thus transplanted the plants 

 are kept from drying out by shading for a few days. 



In from four to six months from the time the seed is sown the 

 trees attain a height of from 5 to 20 inches, and are ready to be set 

 in their permanent places in the field. About 12 inches is a good size 

 for planting. If the seedlings are kept in the flats too long the 

 roots become pot-bound and growth is interfered with. The flats must 

 always be kept well weeded. 



In California, if the planting site is dry, the plants are hardened 

 by being gradually accustomed to more sun and air and less water. 

 In Florida this will probably be unnecessary in most cases. Trans- 

 plants should always be thoroughly watered for two or three days 

 just before they are set out in the field. 



In order to raise the proper amount of seedlings for a given area 

 it is necessary to know how much seed to buy. There are a great 

 number of eucalyptus seeds to the pound, and the germination per- 

 centage of fresh seeds is high. 



The figures in the following table, published for the first time, 

 give the number of seeds per ounce of 14 different species, as obtained 

 bv count in the Forest Service. 



