Part IV.] Russell & Teague : Artificial Regeneration of Sal. 21 
weeding and other operations are carried out. Beds narrow enough 
to allow of reaching across have been tried but are not found to be econo- 
mical. 
Sowing .—Small seeds are sown broadcast after watering the beds and 
a light layer of mould sifted over them; large seeds are dibbled in at 
even depth and spacing, the general rule being that the upper surface 
of the seed should be at a depth equal to the diameter. Seeds should 
not be sown too thickly, except in the case of Terminalia myriocarpa 
which is a bad germinator. 
Some species are planted out direct from the seed-bed but the majority 
are pricked out three inches by three inches into another bed as soon as 
they can be handled, that is to say, when they are about three inches 
long, including the roots. 
Seeds treated with red lead are less likely to be attacked by pests. 
Pricking-out .—This term has become universal though the process 
described below is generally employed as being less likely to lead to the 
doubling up of the roots than simply dibbling the plants into the beds. 
The operation is done with a planting-board, a piece of planking 
six feet long and three inches wide with a notch cut every three inches 
along one of its edges. The planting board is laid across the width of the 
bed and a trench, somewhat deeper than the roots of the seedlings, made 
along the notched edge. A seedling is held in one of the notches and 
the trench filled in to hold it upright. The object of pricking-out is to 
produce well developed, well balanced plants with a comparatively 
large and fibrous root system. 
Weeding and watering .—It is most necessary to keep the beds thoro¬ 
ughly weeded. This is necessary in seed beds as soon as germination 
is complete and in pricking-out beds about a fortnight after the plants 
have been put in, and thereafter in both about once a fortnight. It is 
best done by women who loosen the soil round each plant at the same 
time with a pointed stick. After this operation the plants at once 
make a decided spurt. 
In most cases watering is also necessary in the dry season but consi¬ 
derable care must be taken not to overdo this as too wet beds cause 
damping off and growth of moss and it is probable that mure plants are 
killed by over watering than by drought. Watering should be done in 
the afternoon in the plains and in the forenoon in the hills (on account 
of the danger from frost). A watering can with a very fine rose (prefer¬ 
ably Haw’s patent) is necessary. 
Each nursery should be in the charge of a mali doing whole time 
work. 
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