83 



GARDENING FOK THE SOUTH. 



ties can only be perpetuated by propagating by division 

 The following conditions are necessary, says Thompson, 

 for successful propagation by seed : 1st. That the seeds be 

 perfectly ripened. 2d. That they have been properly kept 

 until the period of sowing. 3d. That they be sown at 

 the proper time ; and, finally, that the sowing be per- 

 formed in the proper mamier. And it may be added that 

 to accomplish the object of sowing, the seeds sown must be 

 of just the kind intended to be used, and true to that kind. 



The Maturity and Soundness of Seeds are necessary, to 



ensure the growth and perfection of the young plant. 

 These can generally be determined by their external and 

 internal appearance. If in cutting the larger seeds the 

 substance of the seed be of the natural color, and the em- 

 bryo be fresh and perfect, it will probably germinate. So 

 if externally they have a clear color and a fresh, plump 

 appearance, they will be likely to grow. The soundness 

 of those that sink in water when good, (and most seeds do,) 

 may be tested by putting them in warm water. Nearly 

 all sound seeds will sink in this fluid in a short time. Of 

 the finer seeds, a skillful eye will determine the quality 

 with the microscope. But the surest test is, planting a 

 few properly in a pot, protecting the surface from drying 

 with a square of glass, and keeping it in a warm room, 

 or plunged in a hot-bed or in a pit, giving it the heat nat- 

 urally required by the species for germination. 



Seeds are more often unsound from mouldiness or age, 

 than from not having been properly ripened. They should 

 be stored where they will, be least affected by the presence 

 of moisture and the changes of temperature. About 40°, 

 but not lower, is said to be the best. Many oily seeds be- 

 come rancid, and will not vegetate when sown. 



Generally, seeds should be kept dry, but acorns and 

 chestnuts thus kept soon lose their vitality and must be 

 kept until planted in rather dry loam, or slightly dampen- 



