Damping-off is a common ailment of young seedlings and cuttings. The stem becomes brown and constricted at or near the surface of the soil, and it soon rots and falls over. The top of the plant often remains alive and fresh for several days after it has fallen. A fungus is supposed to cause damping-off. The conditions which seem to particularly favor the development of this fungus are a moist and close atmosphere, crowding and careless watering. Plants are particularly liable to damp-off if only sufficient water is applied to keep the surface moist while the under soil remains dry. Hot sand, sifted over the plants, will check it, but there is no complete remedy. Attention to the above suggestions will serve as a preventive. 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 they are well protected, and the moist and hot climates of some tropical countries destroy many seeds of cooler regions before they can be planted. 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 moist climates, they should be sealed in tin cases or very securely wrapped in oiled paper, in which case the seeds should be thoroughly dried before being packed. Small seeds which are liable to become moldy may be packed in finely powdered charcoal. Apple and pear seeds are often imported in this manner. The seeds or fruits of woody plants require more careful management. They should generally be transported in some sort of stratification. A favorite method is to place them in boxes or jars, mixed with naturally moist sand or sawdust, or slightly moist dead sphagnum moss. Some prefer to seal the packages hermetically, but under ordinary conditions this is unnecessary. In transit, the packages should be stored in a medium and uniform temperature. Even acorns, which are often difficult to transport over long voyages, may be carried in this manner with safety. It is important that the soil should not be wet. Natural soil from a dryish and loamy pasture is excellent. In some cases it is better to sprout the seeds in the native country and ship the seedlings in a closed or Wardian case. It should be borne in mind that actual plantings rarely give so good results as seed tests, from the fact that conditions are more variable. There is often a variation of over fifty per cent. even when the planting has been carefully done. This is proof that liberal seeding should always be practiced.