DISTRIBUTION OF SEEDS AXD PLANTS. 7 



In planning a distribution the country is divided into sections, as 

 shown in figure 1. 



Nearly all varieties of flower seed included in the distribution and 

 such vegetables as lettuce, raddish, onion, pea, bean, beet, carrot, 

 parsnip, turnip, tomato, and cucumber Avill thrive at different seasons 

 in all sections. Such vegetables as okra and collards are distributed 

 only in section 1. On the other hand, sweet corn, which is in much 

 demand in sections 3, 4, and a portion of section 5, is not distributed 

 in section 1, because it is likely to be destroyed either by insects or 

 funf>-ous diseases. Such seeds as watermelon and muskmelon are not 

 sent into the extreme North. 



■■.•.\ S£-cr/o/v2. »^^.^^- ^ - 

 "^Srcm/^ 4. g^ Secr/o/v S. 



Fio. 1. — Sections into wliich the rnitcd .-<lates is divided for the distriljution of vegetable 



seed. 



HOW SEEDS ARE PURCHASED. 



All seeds are purchased through competitive bids obtained in the 

 spring from the principal seed growers and dealers in the country, 

 about 200 being requested to submit quotations. The quotations are 

 opened and listed in the presence of such bidders as care to attend by 

 the Department board of awards, of which the chief clerk of the 

 Department is the chairman, and referred to the Bureau of Plant In- 

 dustry for the advice and recommendations of seed experts, in accord- 

 ance with which recommendations purchases are made by the board. 

 In awarding contracts the board disregards varieties unsuitable for 

 distribution, as well as bids of growers or dealers w^ho in the past 

 have failed to carry out their contracts satisfactorily. AVhen the 

 lowest price is not accepted in any case the reasons therefor are stated 



[Clr. 100] 



