— 59 — 



Of itself, per se, weight appears to exercise no influence upon 

 germination, but it is often a tolerably accurate measure of viabil- 

 ity as determined by various causes. Broadly stated, it may be 

 said that comparative lightness in a .seed indicates arrested growth, 

 and con.sequent lowness of germinative vitality. A few instances 

 may be given : 



44. Cabbage, Flat Dutch. — Thorburn. 



100 seeds in seed-pans, sown % inch deep in sand. A parcel of seeds were 

 thrown in a pan of water, and allowed to remain one minute, when 100 of 

 those which sank and 100 of those which floated were chosen for test. 



No. I, heavy seeds average weight .065 grains). 



No. 2, light seeds (average weight .052 grains). 



SOWN APRIL 25. 



S 



Epitome. — Total of sprouting was over twice greater in the 

 heavy .samples, and rapidity of sprouting was proportionately 

 greater. 



45. Cabbage, Red Dutch. — Thorburn. 



ICG seeds in seed-pans, ^ inch deep in sand. 



The samples were separated in the same manner as in the preceding test. 



No. I, heavy seeds (average weight .075 grains). 



No. 2, light seeds (average weight .07 grains). 



SOWN APRIL 18. 



Epitome. — Sprouting was both more rapid and greater in amount 

 in the heavy sample. The difference in total sprouting was less in 

 this test than in No. 44, owing to the much smaller difference in 

 weight between the heavy and light samples. 



