430 FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 



inclined to dry out, and through which the plantlets can easily make their 

 way, the depth of covering should be considerably greater than on heavy 

 soils. 



Many seeds raise their seed leaves above ground, and if covered with but 

 a shallow layer of soil, the seed coats do not become detached and either 

 check or entirely prevent the growth of the seedlings. 



On light, sandy soils, large seeds, such as peas, beans and corn, may be 

 placed from three to five inches deep with good results. Some of the plants 

 may fail to reach the surface, but those that do will make a stronger growth, 

 produce more fruit, and in case the season is dry, will withstand the drought 

 much better than if placed one or two inches deep. 



Seed should never be sown when the soil is so wet as to work like putty in 

 the hands, but when it is friable or crumbles after being compressed it is in 

 good condition for the seed. Especially if the soil is light and dry, it should 

 be rolled, or in some way compressed after the seed is sown, thus firming the 

 soil and preventing the evaporation of moisture. When well compacted 

 they germinate in from a third to a half the time required in loose soil, 

 while the plants will be much stronger. Peter Henderson, in his writings, 

 very properly lays great stress on what he terms the "use of the feet" in 

 sowing seeds. 



Much has been said of the comparative merits of commission or grocery 

 seeds, and those obtained directly from seed houses. The tests thus far show 

 that although many individual packets of seeds sold by commission houses 

 germinate as well or better than those obtained directly from the growers, 

 the latter, as a rule, have a considerable higher germinating power. When 

 seeds are obtained directly from large dealers there will be less danger of 

 mistakes than when bought in bulk from grocery stores. 



When carefully selected seed of proper varieties is planted under correct 

 conditions, we may be reasonably sure of a profitable crop, while if any one 

 of these considerations is neglected the result may fail to yield a profit and 

 perhaps may not even return the value of the labor bestowed upon it. 



BREEDING AND SELECTION OF SEEDS. 



BY CHARLES S. CRANDALL, M. S. 



Read at the Brooklyn Institute, February 15, 1889. 



It is our fortune to live in an age of most wonderful progress. Great dis- 

 coveries have followed each other in close succession. Industrial life has 

 been revolutionized in a short half-century, and this rapid revolution has 

 had its effect upon all people; no walk in life has been beyond its influence. 



Originating primarily in new applications of steam and electricity which 

 gave rise to new processes and mechanical contrivances, it affected first one 

 industry, then another, then another, until the whole fabric was changed. 



The change was of necessity wide spread, because of the intimate relations 

 and inter dependence of all the varied branches of industry. These industrial 

 changes have multiplied the number of products, they have multiplied the 

 quantity, and through improved transportation facilities these products are 

 given access to the great markets of the world. 



