New York Agricultural Experiment Station. 917 



The regular bulletin bearing the same number as this " popular 

 edition " contains the results of these official inspection analyses. 

 This bulletin will be sent on request, but its somewhat limited 

 usefulness seems to make it inadvisable to send it to all on the 

 Station mailing list, as is done with the fertilizer and feeding stuffs 

 bulletins. 



The seed-inspection law is so restricted in scope 

 Voluntary that even with the yearly bulletin at hand, the 

 examinations, individual purchaser would have little assurance 

 as to the quality of the seeds in his market; there- 

 fore the Station will continue, until the demands overtax its facilities, 

 to make examinations of samples for farmers who wish to sow only 

 pure seed. Certain conditions are essential, however, if the samples 

 are to furnish reliable information. 



First, the sample must be large enough to represent fairly the 

 quantity of seed from which it is taken. This means at least two 

 ounces for the larger seeds, like alfalfa, the clovers, millet and rape, 

 and at least one ounce for grass seeds. 



Second, the sample should be taken from lots from which the 

 dealer agrees to supply the purchaser's needs after the report of the 

 analyses has been received. The small packets or samples sometimes 

 furnished by dealers are frequently taken from seed specially cleaned 

 for advertising purposes; and examination of them serves to delude 

 rather than to enlighten the sender. 



Third, in taking samples, the bulk of seed should be thoroughly 

 mixed, or small quantities should be taken from top, middle and 

 bottom of the bag or other container and mixed before taking out 

 the amount to be sent to the Station. 



Fourth, the sample should be sealed in a strong, tight package 

 that will not be easily broken in the mail, and marked plainly with 

 the name and address of the sender. It is not sufficient to send an 

 unmarked package with a separate letter describing its contents, 

 as the Station may receive a score of seed samples in a single mail. 



If these conditions are complied with, the Station will examine 

 the samples as promptly as possible, usually within two days, and 

 report to the sender at once, giving the percentage of pure seed, 

 percentage of rubbish and percentage of other seeds, with an indica- 

 tion of the kind and quantity of spec ally undesirable weed seeds 

 present. A statement is also usually made as to the general quality 

 of the seed; but the Station does not make germination tests. It 

 must be thoroughly understood that these examinations will be made 

 for farmers only, or for other intending purchasers of seed for farm 

 use. The Station can not and will not examine seeds for dealers 

 or others who wish to know their quality for purposes of sale, or 

 for labeling under the law. 



