EXPERIMENT STATION. 95 



and were probably unpalatable only on that account. They con- 

 tained a very small percentage by weight, of seed of foxtail grass, 

 [Setaria viridis, and a little iS. ^lanca,) and a few seeds of weeds 

 [Polygonum and Chenopodiwn.) They weighed 36 lbs. to the 

 bushel and were of average vitality. 



The samples of maize seed were all grown in Rochester, N. Y., 

 pui-ported to be of the crop of 1880, and were examined four 

 months after harvest. 



Nos. 140, 141 and 143 are of very poor quality and worthless 

 for seed, though the kernels are of average size and weight. 

 The samples named, however, had a yellow dull look instead ot 

 being bright and translucent, which made the purchaser, a seeds- 

 man, doubtful of their value. 



That year the corn was late, bad weather set in, and it heated 

 in the crib. The proper curing of sweet corn is a rather delicate 

 matter. We understand that some growers now cure it in kilns 

 with perfect success. 



Of the samples of Onion Seed, No. 138 purported to be of the 

 last crop, and was tested March 1. The large percentage of seed 

 remaining hard at the end after trial (34.7 per cent.), makes it 

 appear very probable that it was in part or altogether old seed. 



Numerous trials made at this Station with onion seed, whose 

 age was certainly known, gave an average of 6 per cent, of hard 

 seed at the end of the trial (in only one case as high as 19 per 

 cent.), when the seed was less than one year old ; 23 per cent, 

 when between one and two years old ; 52 per cent, when between 

 two and three years old ; 68 per cent, when between three and four 

 years old; and 88 per cent, when five years old.* 



No. 148 is a sample of the small, light seed, which is winnowed 

 off before the seed is put on the market. It is one-third lighter 

 than that which is marketable and its vitality is small. 



No. 118 represents the marketable portion of the same crop as 

 No. 148. 



The average amount of seed capable of germination, as found 

 in tests reported in North Carolina, and in this State is, in case 

 of— 



Red clover (8 tests), 78.2 per cent. 



Timothy (6 tests), 86.3 per cent. 



Cabbage (6 tests),.. 79.5 per cent. 



Onion (40 tests), •. 83.3 per cent. 



* Report of this Station for 1880, p. 98. 



