CHE REFERENCE LIBRARY - Pole Shift Survival Information

PROP,4GATION RP MEANS OF SEEDS AND SPORES 39
sharp sand ; or the scant pulp of such seeds may be allowed
to rot of?’ in the stratification box. Fleshy coverings of hard
and bony seeds may be removed by macerat,ion. Allow them
to stand in water at a! temperature of about W for one to three
weeks, and then wash them out. Resinous coverings are sometimes
rcnlo\-ed by mixing the seeds with fresh ashes or lime,
or by treating &m with lye. Hard thick-walled seeds are
rarel), injured by- the decay of the pulpy covering, but thinwalled
seeds should 1 I . cleaned to aGd the possibility of
damage arising from the decay of the pulp.
The transportation of certain kinds of seeds over long distances,
especially on sea voyages, is often beset with difficulties.
Thick-meated or soft seeds may become too dry if stored in a
warm place, or too moist if stored in a cool one. The humid
atmosphere of the ocean is fatal to some seeds unless thej are
well protected, and the moist and hot climates of some tropical
countries destroy many seeds of cooler regions before they ca,n
be planted, or cause them to sprout in transit. Thin-coated
seeds demand dryness and air, and bony seeds usually need
moisture and a more confined atmosphere. Most seeds may
be sent dry and loose in coarse paper packages under all ordinary
circumstances ; but if they are to traverse very hot and
lnoist climates, they should be sealed in tin case: or very secburely
wrapped in oiled paper, in which case the seeds should
be thoroughly dried before being packed, and precautions taken
to insure the dryness of the air in the package. Small seeds
liable to become moldy may be packed in f+ely powdered
charcoal or other dry material. Apple and pear seeds are
often imported in this way.
The seeds or fruits of woody plants require more careful
management. They should generally be transported in some