25 



of Cuscuta or dodder seed at the rate of seven hundred and twenty to 

 the pound. This seed, when sown at the rate of 15 pounds to the acre, 

 which is about one-half that generally sown InGermanj^ would furnish 

 nearly eleven thousand Cuscuta seed to the acre, or enough to give one 

 seed every 2 feet in drills 2 feet apart. The sowing of this much Cus- 

 cuta seed upon an acre of land would, at the least, be a dangerous pro- 

 cedure, and might result in a total destruction of a crop in the course of 

 two or three years." 



Germination tests. — The percentages of vital seed, relation of vitality 

 to rate of seeding, vitality averages (seed in one hundred capable of 

 germination), duration of test, percentage of seed decayed, weight of 

 seed and present value, are discussed and the results given in tables fill- 

 ing twelve pages; those of purity examinations filling the five pages 

 which follow. A very convenient germinating apparatus in use at the 

 Station is described. Samples were tested in duplicate and results 

 which differed more than 10 per cent in germinating power were re- 

 jected. Comparisons of results in these investigations in Delaware, 

 other parts of the United States, and in Germany are giv^en in tabular 

 foim. 



"The vitality of seed sold in the State during the present season has 

 upon the whole been good, and well up to the average standard. This 

 fact, in a State where no systematic control has ever before been in op- 

 eration, is a source of congratulation. * * * The vitality of the clo- 

 ver seed is especially good. This also applies even more strongly to 

 the timothy. The low vitality of the grasses, particularly of those 

 less known to agriculture, bat of intrinsic value, is a great drawback 

 against the introduction of a mixed grass herbage in thiscountry. The 

 quality of the garden seed is generally above the standard." 



Considerations are stated which imply that the " usual method of 

 seeding is, in the majority of cases, excessive and perhaps wasteful." 



FLORIDA. 



Agricultural Experiment Station of Florida. 



Department of Florida State Agricultural and Mechanical College. 

 Location, Lake City. Director, Rev. J. P. De Pass. 



BULLETIN NO. 5, APRIL, 1889. 



Analysis of fertilizers, J. M. Pickell, M. D., and J. J. Earle, 

 A. B. (pp. 1-5). — The bulletin contains results of analyses of five sam- 

 ples of commercial fertilizing materials, one muck, one marl, three soils 

 and onesubsoil; and directions for taking and sending samples of soil, 

 water, and fertilizers for analysis. 



Florida is the only State east of the Mississippi River that has no law for the 

 analyses of conniiercial fertilizers. * * * It i.s, nevertheless, the purpose of the 

 Station to publish the results of analyses of fertilizers sampled from time to time in 

 various parts of the State. 



