The Seed in Plant Production 



391 



creased moisture-content. The following table gives a 

 record of vitality as related to precipitation and tempera- 

 ture at the seven points in the United States where the 

 thirteen kinds of seed were stored : - 



In general, it would seem that a further drying out of 

 thoroughly matured seeds may enhance the keeping ca- 

 pacity. Moreover, such mature seeds keep well at high 

 temperatures. Immature seeds, or those which may not 

 be thoroughly dried out, keep best in a cool, dry situation. 

 When moisture is present, it would seem that respiration 

 is rapid and may be regarded as an important factor in 

 reducing vitality. Under ordinary conditions " the life 

 of a seed is undoubtedly dependent on many factors, 

 but the one important factor governing the longevity of 

 good seed is dryness." 



232. Buried seed. - - Duvel, Beal, and others have 

 shown that, in general, seeds which are buried deeply 

 maintain their vitality for a long period. An instance 



