The Gum Tr^e. 



tree is so harmless as to the herbage beneath it; it would 

 be so ornamental to parks,' and near to houses, that I think 

 it right to speak of the manner of raising it. 



267. The SEED is contained in a round cone or ball, 

 about the size of a small walnut, but perfectly round, and 

 having prickles on the outside of it. When this ball is laid 

 in the sun, or near a fire, these prickles, which close up 

 apertures in the ball, yield away from each other, and leave 

 the apertures open for the seed to come out. If you do not 

 receive the balls soon enough in the spring to sow the seed 

 the same year, do not endeavour to get out the seed until 

 next year, for the seed, like that of the Firs, will not keep 

 well out of the cone. 



268. As to sowing, turn back to the directions given 

 for sowing the seed of the Fir, and sow the seed of the Gum 

 Tree in precisely the same manner, but not nearly so 

 thick 3 cover the beds with nets also ; for I have perceived 

 that both mice and birds are very active enemies of this 

 seed. The seed should be covered no deeper than has been 

 directed in the case of the Fir, and the earth ought to be 

 equally fine ; for it is a very tender seed, and does not easily 

 come through ground that is stiff or rough. When the 

 young plants come up, great care must be taken not to 

 loosen the earth too much about them when you pull up 

 the weeds ; and, after a weeding, there should always be a 

 gentle watering, if the weather be dry. The season for 

 sowing is that of the Fir. 



269. In October, the plants will be about six inches 

 high. Their removal into the nursery, and their manage- 

 ment there, are precisely the same as directed in the case 

 of the Ash. The Gum has a very bushy rootj and there- 



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