GROWING THE NATIVE FLORA. 
23 
them hot) until they swell; they are then ready for 
planting. 
Some seeds delay their germination period con- 
siderably after the time they are ripe. To this 
class belong some of the Eucalypts, Clematis, Ranun- 
culus (buttercup), and Callistemon (bottlebrush). 
On one occasion I waited six months before sown 
seed of the Clematis and Callistemon germinated and 
grew. 
With the exception of the seeds of the hard-coated 
section, all seed may be sown when ripe ; but there is 
always a certain element of risk in so doing, for if 
watered too freely they may germinate too quickly 
and not thrive during autumn and winter. In 
spring, early in September, is the most suitable time 
for the seed sowing. If left tiU later they will suffer 
from the hot weather and the young plants will not 
be hard enough to withstand the heat. It is pre- 
ferable to sow in shallow pots or boxes having a good 
drainage, and a fine light sandy soil ; or they may be 
grown in sand to which a little peat or good old leaf- 
mould has been added. No manure is necessary; in 
fact, if any attempt be made to force them by feed- 
ing, the young germinating seedlings will be killed. 
The seed-pots or pans should be protected from the 
sun and wind, but they must not be too much shaded, 
otherwise the seedlings will become leggy and drawn. 
This weakens them considerably. They must there- 
fore be given ample light. If the seeds be sown in 
the open ground a fair proportion of sand should 
first be mixed with the soil in the place where they 
are to be sown. For a time, after the seedlings are 
