Regarding the best way of collecting tree seeds little need be said, the exigencies of the case determining the best method to be adopted. The seeds of not a few trees may be collected as they fall, and this is especially the case with those of the Oak, Beech, Elm, etc., all of which may be swept into heaps and gathered in quantity from beneath desirable trees. In the case of the various Coniferæ this method of seed collecting will not answer—indeed, in the majority of instances, the seed should be gathered, or rather picked, from the trees just before they became fully ripe, as in falling they get loose from the cone-scales and are lost. When collecting the cones of coniferous trees, a long, light hooked staff with which to draw the branches towards one can conveniently be used to procure an abundant supply. A bag or satchel should also be in possession of the seed collector, into which may be put such kinds of cones as fall readily apart, as the seeds from these are easily lost. Sometimes, as in the case of rare seeds, and when only a few cones are borne near the top of the tree, the seed collector must have recourse to climbing; but, in such cases, in order to avoid injury to the bark, he should be provided with a pair of elastic shoes or slippers. Great care is required in the collection of such seeds as those of _Abies nobilis_ and _A. nordmanniana_, the cones, when fully ripe, falling to pieces on the slightest touch. This, however, applies equally to almost every species of Abies, whereas, with the Pines and Spruces, the cones remain intact for an almost indefinite period of time, even though the seeds may have fallen out on becoming ripe. The proper harvesting of tree seeds rarely, except in the case of experienced nurserymen, receives sufficient attention, although this operation should be as carefully attended to as in the case of the seeds of any other form of crop. After being collected, the seeds of all trees, unless such as are mixed with sand for the purpose of rotting, should be thinly and evenly spread out in a sunny spot, until thoroughly dry. They may then be deposited in a cool, airy place, and in thin layers, until wanted for sowing. An occasional turning is all-important and should never be neglected. The smaller and less common seeds may, for convenience sake, be hung up in calico bags, but they, too, should be occasionally examined to prevent dampness and heating. The number of plants of various kinds that may be expected from a bushel of seed of average quality varies very much, and may be approximately given as follows: Horse Chestnut, 2,500; Oak, 6,000 to 8,000; Spanish Chestnut, about 3,000; Walnut, 5,000; Norway Maple, 12,000; Sycamore, about 12,000; Ash, 14,000; Beech, 10,000; Elm, 1,000; Birch, fully 16,000; Holly, 17,000; Scotch Fir, 9,000. To 1 lb. of seed: Spruce Fir, about 9,000; Larch, 3,000; and the Cluster Pine, Silver Fir, and some others, from about 500 upwards.