Cut a circular piece of card to fit the top of a hyacinth glass, so as
to rest upon the ledge, and exclude the air. Pierce a hole through the
centre of the card, and pass through it a strong thread, having a small
piece of wood tied to one end, which, resting transversely on the card,
prevents its being drawn through. To the other end of the thread attach
an acorn; and, having half filled the glass with water, suspend the
acorn at a short distance from the surface.
[Illustration]
The glass must be kept in a warm room; and, in a few days, the steam
which has generated in the glass will hang from the acorn in a large
drop. Shortly afterwards, the acorn will burst, the root will protrude
and thrust itself into the water; and, in a few days more, a stem will
shoot out at the other end, and, rising upwards, will press against the
card, in which an orifice must be made to allow it to pass through.
From this stem, small leaves will soon be observed to sprout; and, in
the course of a few weeks, you will have a handsome oak plant, several
inches in height.