PROPAGATION OF TROP^OLUM TRICOLORUM. 
19 
of tlie young shoots necessarily employed in that way. Even with the greatest 
precaution and the most ^'igilant attention, it is impossible to avoid the loss, by 
dampness, of a large proportion of the cuttings put in at any season ; while many 
are reluctant to mutilate their plants in order to obtain a fresh supply. It is not 
asserted that, in particular cases, by planting the cuttings in almost pure sand, 
during the spring months, and tending them sedulously to preserve them from the 
earliest inroads of excessive moisture, complete success has not been realised. But 
that this is not an ordinary occurrence, is demonstrated in nearly every establishment 
throughout the kingdom. 
Besides the method of multiplication from cuttings, such an abundance of seed 
is produced by strong specimens, and ripens so thoroughly in fine seasons, that many 
have been induced to try its increase in that way. We have heard, on this head, 
numberless complaints that the seed will not germinate, and hence this plan, though 
so palpably natural, has had to be abandoned. 
A few months back, we had communicated to us, through an ingenious friend, 
a process by which the seeds of this plant may be readily made to vegetate ; and 
as we think it likely to effect that increased diffusion of the species which appears 
so very desirable, we have made it the subject of the present paper. 
The skin, rind, or integument of the seeds of TropcEolum tricolorum is so hard 
and tough, that either the requisite stimulants cannot reach the seat of vitality, or 
the power of vegetation is insufficient to burst the bands by which the integument 
confines it. To release it from this encumbrance, the easy process of taking off 
entirely its outer covering has been performed ; and after this, the seeds are found to 
germinate in a very short period. Thus, by a system so trifling that it is hardly 
worth recording, a most delightful plant may be perpetuated to any extent ; care 
in detaching the rind of the seed being the only pre-requisite. Perhaps, preparatory 
to divesting it of its skin, a short steeping in lukewarm water will tend to secure the 
internal part from injury. 
Without doubt, the plan thus sketched is capable of a similar application to 
T . pentaphyllum and other species. We know it to be effectual with T. peregrinum^ 
which, so treated, may be raised during May in the open ground, wherever it is 
required as a summer ornament. Indeed, there are no seeds whose size admits of 
their being thus stripped, and which remain in the ground for a lengthened period 
without vegetating, that we w^ould not subject to the operation ; as it is more 
simple and efficacious than the employment of any chemical agents. 
