Page:On the characters, properties, and uses of Eucalyptus globulus and other species of Eucalyptus.djvu/10

 but little care; and within a year or less they may be transplanted. The rapidity of their growth has been already alluded to, and I have also mentioned that Baron Mueller calculated that about 162,000 trees could be raised from 1 lb. of seeds. Even if only the seedlings of one quarter of the seeds of 1 lb. were finally established, they would suffice, says Baron Mueller, to "cover 404 acres of ground, assuming that we planted at the rate of 100 trees to the acre."

The following directions as to the best time and method of sowing the seed and raising the seedlings have been given in the 'Gardeners' Chronicle,' from a correspondent in Buenos Ayres:—

"The best method and time of sowing the seed is under glass, either in a frame or by covering the box over with a piece of glass; and during the months of September and October, after they have attained the height of 3 inches, pot them off into small 2-inch pots. When these have attained considerable strength, either shift them into larger pots or plant them permanently in the ground, which may be done during the months of February or March, according as the rain falls, or they may be left till the following July or August; this is best regulated according to the situation of the land, taking care that they are not exposed to the cold south-west winds when young and tender, or the frost will be likely to kill them.

"The soil most adapted to the raising of these plants is a mixture, of equal parts, of vegetable mould, ordinary soil, rotten manure, and sand. When they are about 3 feet high they are best planted in the ground. First, dig a hole 2 feet deep by 2 feet across the top; put the best soil at the bottom. Let these holes be filled with water, or left open till after a heavy rain. Having put the best soil at the bottom, take the plants, spread out the roots, then put in the remaining soil, leaving a slight hollow so that the rain may penetrate after every shower. When they begin to grow fast, drive in three stakes across each other near the bottom of the stem, in the form of a triangle, placing some hay round the stem, and a piece of wire to secure the stakes round the tree; in this way the trees are quite safe from being blown down, and are not injured by the string being left round them too long."

The above directions have been given in full, but will of course require modifications in different countries and circumstances. Ordinarily in this country Eucalyptus seeds are sown in a mixture of loam, peat, and ordinary soil, with a sprinkling of sand on the surface, and are readily raised in a greenhouse.