On the whole, this system of propagation receives the approval of investigators, and removes the objections which may be advanced against the development of a scheme entirely founded upon successive breedings from selected seed. The course of the investigations, also, are thereby shortened considerably. Care must be exercised in the work of obtaining and grafting the buds, but it has now been proved that by exercising reasonable precautions which are not beyond the intelligence and ability of subordinates, an extremely high percentage of success can be attained. [Illustration: DENSE JUNGLE.] Until such time as this process becomes practicable the inception of a planted area must follow the lines usually adopted. NURSERIES.--The usual practice is to obtain seeds from some estate which has a reputation for good yields and for exercising care in the gathering and shipping of seeds. The seed is planted in specially prepared beds, and the percentage of germination noted for future reference. The plants should be tended carefully, and close observation made for the detection of disease or pests. It is not uncommon to find that owing to lack of care in the preparation of the seed-bed, the young plants are attacked by disease. [Illustration: CLEARING READY FOR PLANTING. Surface timber removed, but stumps remaining.] STUMPS.--At a stage, varying according to the requirements of the estate, when the plants are from twelve to eighteen months old, they are lifted from the earth. The roots and head are cut off, and the "stump" is ready for immediate planting in the field. Naturally any appreciable delay in planting, or unfavourable weather conditions, will militate against the chances of successful "striking"; and it is not uncommon to find that a certain number of "supplies" will be necessary. SEED AT STAKE.--A method sometimes adopted is to put out seed in the field, in prepared holes which indicate the exact position of the future trees. Usually three seeds are placed in each hole, and if two or three germinate, the plant having the healthiest appearance is retained, and the others removed. The possible objections to this method of planting are obvious to those acquainted with field conditions, but in actual practice planting seed "at stake" has often proved highly successful. Naturally the results obtained must depend upon the selection of good seeds, the care exercised in the preparation of the "holes," weather conditions, and the discrimination exercised in the selection of the plants to be retained--apart from such disabilities as the depredations of rats and other pests.