CHAP. 
16 SPICES 
made in a few minutes on the estate and will do for 
any kind of spraying. 
GENERAL HINTS 
In selecting seeds of any plant for cultivation, if 
possible, always take by preference the best stock from 
well-known, strong and producing trees, even if it costs 
more than unselected seed. In the tropics the duration 
of the life of the seed is shorter than in cold climates. 
Seed kept for any length of time deteriorates, and in 
germinating often causes disappointment. The seed 
must be fresh, recently gathered, and kept in a cool, 
shady spot until sown. Seeds that have been kept too 
long, especially if hard-coated, such as nutmegs, may 
be assisted in germinating by soaking in water for a 
few hours before planting. Warm water is preferred. 
As a rule, seed does not require to be planted deep in 
the soil. It should be just covered and no more. 
Cuttings should always be made with a sharp knife, 
so as not to bruise the tissue. It must be remembered 
that roots and buds can only be emitted at a node or 
joint, and the cut should be made a little below the node, 
so as to leave a small portion of the internode to hold 
the cutting in the ground until the roots are emitted. 
Cuttings are very liable to the attack of fungi. Should 
it be found that the cuttings in a nursery bed are 
constantly or much attacked by any fungi, the bed 
should be abandoned and the soil thoroughly disinfected 
with Bordeaux mixture and lime. 
In planting the soil should be pressed firmly against 
the base of the cutting. Khizome cuttings, such as 
those of turmeric and ginger, should be sufficiently large. 
If there is any fungus disease in the bed from which 
they are taken, it is advisable to soak them for a few 
hours in a weak solution of copper sulphate to disinfect 
them. 
Nursery beds should be well dug and the sods broken 
up so as to resemble garden soil. It should be damp. 
