8 The Bulletin. 



the only reliable way to obtain good seed, both for the consumer and 

 the trade, is to know the quality or value of the seed. This can 

 accurately be done by testing. The ]N"orth Carolina Seed Laboratory, 

 cooperating with the United States Seed Laboratory, will examine, 

 without charge, red clover and all farm seeds for adulteration, and 

 make tests both for purity and germination. The purity test con- 

 sists in determining the per cent of pure seed, foreign seed, and inert 



Fig. 3. High Vitality Red Clover Seed. 95 Per Cent Germination. 



matter, as gravel, dirt, etc. ; and by the germination tests the per cent 

 of seeds that will grow is determined. 



The following brief description of good red clover seed may aid 

 the purchaser in determining a good quality seed. The seeds should 

 be plump, irregularly triangular in shape, with unequal sides and 

 rounded angles. The color varies from violet to light yellow; some 

 seeds are entirely violet and others are light yellow, while some are 

 both colors. The surface is smooth and has a luster. Old seeds lose 

 their luster and become a dull brown color, the darkness depending 

 upon the age of the seed. As the seed becomes old it loses its germi- 



