Two methods of preserving the seeds have put us in possession of a few young plants of the true Tea-tree of China; one is, by inclosing the seeds in bees wax, after they have been well dried in the sun; and the other, by putting them, included in their pods, or capsules, into very close cannisters made of tin and tutenague[70]. [Illustration: Boxes for conveying Plants by Sea. _The Box with plants shut down with the openings at the ends and front left for fresh air._ _The Cask for serving seeds with the openings defended by Wire._ _The Inside of the box shewing the manner of securing the roots of plants surrounded with earth & moss tied with packthread and fasten’d cross & cross with laths or packthread to keep them steady._ _The Box with divisions for serving different seeds in earth & cut moss._] But neither of these methods have succeeded generally, notwithstanding the utmost care, both in getting fresh seeds, and in securing them in the most effectual manner. The best method is to sow the ripe seeds in good light earth, in boxes, at leaving Canton; covering them with wire, to prevent rats and other such vermin coming to them. The boxes, plans of which are annexed, should not be exposed to too much air, nor to the spray of the sea, if possible. The earth should not be suffered to grow dry and hard, but a little fresh or rain water may be sprinkled over it now and then; and, when the seedling plants appear, they should be kept moist, and out of the burning sun[71]. Most of the plants now in England were procured by these means; and though many of the seedlings will die, yet by this kind of management we may probably succeed in bringing over the most curious vegetable productions of China, of which they have an amazing treasure, both in respect to use, shew, and variety[72]. If young plants could be procured in China, they might be sent over in a growing state in some of these boxes. The young Tea-plants in the gardens about London thrive very well in the green-houses in winter, and some bear the open air in summer. The leaves of many of them are from one to three inches long, not without a fine deep verdure; and the young shoots are succulent. It is therefore probable, that in a few years many layers may be procured from them, and the number of plants considerably increased thereby.