CHE REFERENCE LIBRARY - ZetaTalk

PROP,4GATION RP MEANS OF SEEDS AND SPORES 39sharp sand ; or the scant pulp of such seeds may be allowedto rot of?’ in the stratification box. Fleshy coverings of hardand bony seeds may be removed by macerat,ion. Allow themto stand in water at a! temperature of about W for one to threeweeks, and then wash them out. Resinous coverings are sometimesrcnlo\-ed by mixing the seeds with fresh ashes or lime,or by treating &m with lye. Hard thick-walled seeds arerarel), injured by- the decay of the pulpy covering, but thinwalledseeds should 1 I . cleaned to aGd the possibility ofdamage 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 awarm place, or too moist if stored in a cool one. The humidatmosphere of the ocean is fatal to some seeds unless thej arewell protected, and the moist and hot climates of some tropicalcountries destroy many seeds of cooler regions before they ca,nbe planted, or cause them to sprout in transit. Thin-coatedseeds demand dryness and air, and bony seeds usually needmoisture and a more confined atmosphere. Most seeds maybe sent dry and loose in coarse paper packages under all ordinarycircumstances ; but if they are to traverse very hot andlnoist climates, they should be sealed in tin case: or very secburelywrapped in oiled paper, in which case the seeds shouldbe thoroughly dried before being packed, and precautions takento insure the dryness of the air in the package. Small seedsliable to become moldy may be packed in f+ely powderedcharcoal or other dry material. Apple and pear seeds areoften imported in this way.The seeds or fruits of woody plants require more carefulmanagement. They should generally be transported in some