301 
On Preserving Seeds during a Voyage. 
possession Garden Sticks which have been in constant use for the 
last 2/) years, and still remain as perfect and free from decay as 
when first used. The method adopted by him to thus preserve them, 
is as follows :—First, they are made of red deal, they are then placed 
in a situation where they become very dry; when in this condition 
they are soaked in a quantity of Linseed oil, allowing them to remain 
in it some time: when removed from this they are again dried for a 
week or two, or at least as long as is necessary to dry up all moisture 
occasioned by the soaking in the oil. When they are completely dry 
they are painted twice over with Verdigris paint, which entirely pre¬ 
serves them, as it completely prevents any wet from possibly pene¬ 
trating. 
Yours, (fee.. 
Chesterfield^ October 13, 1831. William Claughtox. 
Article IX .—On Preserving Seeds during a Voyage. By 
Mr. Thomas Short, Jun., of Marton, near Bawtry. 
Gentlemen, 
It has long been a cause of regret to those who have at¬ 
tended to the cultivation of flowers, that hitherto no simple and efficient 
means have been devised for the preservation of seeds during long 
voyages. Sugar, salt, and paper have been used for this purpose, 
which having proved altogether inefficient, renders it unnecessary to 
detail any particulars relative to the manner of employing these. I 
believe Mr Livingston succeeded in drying seeds by means of Profes¬ 
sor Leslie’s instrument, without destroying or deteriorating their 
vegetable power, but so great is the inconvenience attending the em¬ 
ployment of this instrument, chiefly from the incommodious size and 
form, that the majority of travellers cannot possibly avail themselves 
of the use of it. 
The following method will answer perfectly well, and appears pre¬ 
ferable to Leslie’s instrument, in-as-much as it combines the three-fold 
advantage of cheapness, efficiency, and extreme simplicity:—Let the 
seeds which are to be preserved be immersed in a strong solution of 
Gum x\rabic; then let them be carefully dried, and without any fur¬ 
ther preparation they will become perfectly secured against the injurious 
consequences of a humid and variable atmosphere, and not subject to 
mildew, and therefore enabled to retain their vitality after the most 
protracted voyage. 
Those who are insensible to the delightful and scientific recreation 
of the flower garden, may deem my communication void of interest. 
