VI 
CINNAMON 
211 
of the pulp by trampling on them, or otherwise removing 
it. They are then well washed in water and dried in 
the air without exposing them to the sun, which soon 
would destroy them. Seeds that float in the water are 
to be rejected. 
The seeds are either planted at stake or raised in a 
nursery, and then transferred to their future position in 
the estate when sufficiently well grown. 
Planting at Stake . — The ground in which the plants 
are to be grown is first prepared by being cleared of 
brushwood and small trees. Some large trees are left 
as shade, at distances of 50 or 60 ft. apart. The lines 
are drawn out, and the holes for the seed dug at from 
6 to 12 ft. apart. A square foot of soil is dug up, 
stones and roots removed, and the ashes of the brushwood 
and felled trees, which have been previously burnt, are 
spread over the spots dug. Holes are made in each 
space with a a dibble, and from four or five to a dozen 
or more seeds put in each hole, and covered up with 
about 1 in. of soil ; over this is laid a covering of 
branches to prevent the earth from being parched and 
to shelter the seedlings when they appear. The seeds 
germinate in ten or twelve days. In damp weather 
most of the seeds germinate and form quantities of 
cinnamon shoots. But if the weather is too dry they 
are apt to refuse to germinate, or the seedlings when 
they have made some growth may die off, and supplies 
must be available to replace the losses. 
Planting in Nurseries. — Nurseries for raising 
cinnamon seedlings are made by selecting a piece of 
good rich soil and digging it well over to break it up, 
removing stones, roots, etc. The beds are made 3 ft. 
long, with suitable drainage channels round, and these 
beds are lined 6 in. apart, and at every 6 in. along the 
line half a handful of seed is dropped and covered 1 
in. deep ; over the beds is put a platform of sticks to 
support the kadjang, or pandanus-leaf roof, or whatever 
roofing may be conveniently obtained. The beds are 
watered from time to time in the dry weather, until in 
