Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-04-29

We have frequently. in years past, do
scribed the various methods Of propagating
evergreen trees and shrubs. But as the
season approaches for planting out such
things, many OF our new subscribers ask
for information which compels us TO repeat
what we may have said upon the same
subject in previous volumes, thereby plac-
ing US in the position Of the school teach
er who Is obliged TO commence III the same
point with every new class OF scholars.
OF late we have had several letters asking
for some definite instructions In regard to
raising eyergreens from seed, which We
propose 10 briefly answer at this time.
The cones of our native evergreen trees
should be gathered when fully mature, in
autumn and before they open, then spread
them upon shelves or the floor Of dry,
warm room, and leave In this position un-
Ill sufficiently dry to permit the seeds TO
drop out when handled. Some OF the
pines, however, have very persistent cones
and may require considerable drying be-
fore the scales will relax sufficiently TO al
low the seeds To drop out; but In such
cases IL il best 10 soak the cones for few
hours,in warm water before drying. When
the seeds have been secured and all refuse
matter removed they may be put into bags
and hung up in cool room until the sea-
son arrives for wing In spring.
1t would be folly 10 attempt the growing
Of cyergrecns from seed in the open
ground as we do most kinds OF deciduous
trees. The hot sun and drying winds OF
our climate make havoc with the young
seedlings when they first appear above
ground and even with all the care be-
slowed asd artificial appliances employed
by our nurscrymen serious losses FREE
qucntly occur ut this period In the life OF
eedling cvergrcens. Knowing the sensi-
tiycness of these plants 10 the influence OF
hot, dry winds and scorching rays Of tho
sun, beds for the reception Of the seed
should be prepared in such q manner that
full protection may be given during tho
period named. Frames made Of boards
foot wide will answer every purpose, and
placed upon the surface of the ground
after the beds have been prepared. -Four
feet wide and twelve long Ii convenient
size for the frames. To cover these,
screens may be made Of common lath, say
three fret by four, which Is handy size
and not so liable 70 be broken a. larger
In making these screens the strips Of lath
may DO placed about as far apart a. they
are wids, say an inch and half; this win
permit enough light 10 reach the plants TO
insure healthy growth and at the same
time furnish shade enough 70 prevent
burning. OF course other materials may
be employed for shading, such rs screens
of cloth, bougbs OF evergrecns, or even
making the beds on the north side OF a.
fence; building, or under largo trees; but
the la.h screens are cheap and most con.
venient besides always moro or less useful
to have about for putting over hot-beds To
keep out the chickens If there are any
around. 1t Is well to make up tho
frames and screens during the winter
months in order TO have them ready
when required for use in early spring,
A light, porous soil Is necessary,
whether II he sand, loan or peat, and 1t
Should also be deep and moderately rich.
although rank, fresh manure will not an
saver for this purpose. Soil that becomes
compact and hard on the surface when
dry would prevent the young seedlings
from coming up, consequently should not
Dc used for this purpose. Whero a.lposc,
sTiablc soil cannot be obtained In sufficient
abundance to be used exclusively for the
entire depth III the beds, smaller guam
iity will answer by spreading ID over the
surface TO ths depth OF two or three inches.
As soon as the ground il sufficiently
warm and dry to- work readily i'm the
inches arart and crosswise Of the frames.
II the seed Is covered by sitting the earth
over therA to the depth OF "a half inch 1t
will be better than covering 1t with the
hoe or similar implements After cover
ing wafer the bad thoroughly, applying
with n waterproof and through Ane nose.
The screen may then be put on, and frcm
this .dsne forward cons sderablc care will
be racessaxy TO give just enough water to
inssre u healthy growth, but not enough
To. cause the plants 10 mildew or damp
Of as IL Is usually termed by nursery
men. II is easy enough 70 grow ever
green's from seed when one has learSed
how by experience. Tho seedlings viii
require careful attendance during the Gu
tire first season and may be transptnted
| The second III good, vigorous groYth IL
secured. --Rurai Re,o Yorker.
I
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