271 



approximated tiie month of June. While feeders have recognized 

 this fact. I believe these are the first trials to determine the real differ- 

 ence in favor of so arraiigino- our system of feeding as to take ad- 

 vantage of the spring and autumn months for fattening animals." 

 It is intended to continue tlic experiment and repprt results every six 

 months. Tlie resnlts of the feeding trials with gro^ving and fatten- 

 ing animals wiil also be reported. More complete details will be 

 given in I he ar.nual reports of the Station. 



Cornell UniveY-sity Agricultural Experiment Station. 



Drinntiiirtit of Conii'll l' iiircrsil ii. 

 Lociiliou. Itliaca. 1 >in'i-t(ir, Is:i;i<- I'. ItolxM-ts. M. Agr. 



KlLLl/nX No. 7, JULY. 18S!>. 



On THK IXFLIENCES OF CKHTMN CONOITIONS I PON THE SPROUTING 



OF SEEDS, L. 11. Batlev, AI. S. (pp. 31-71), (illustrated).— In the 

 investigations reported in this bidletin, '' with the exception of 

 studies of the relation of weight and color to sprouting, only the con- 

 ditions of germination have received attention." The fact that these 

 conditi(ms have been too little regarded in the testing of seeds is 

 emphasized, and the need of more thorough researches to determine 

 the best methods of seed testing is urged. " The importance of seed 

 testing is obvious, yet its value is commonly misapprehended. Its 

 primary A'alue is the determination of the vitality of a given sample. 

 This testing, except in rare instances, shoidd l)e conducted by the 

 grower himself. The proper work for the experiment station is that 

 of determining the best methods and conditions of testing each species 

 and variety; in other A\ords. it seems that the sphere of the stations 

 is to discover and announce laws and rules, rather than to perform 

 the petty tests for the multitude." 



The general conclusion is that there is no need for seed control 

 stations in this coinitrv. at least for garden seeds, to wdiich, it should 

 be noticed, the investigations here reported were confined. The 

 a])piiratns used in making the t(\sts is descrilu'd nnd illustrated. The- 

 investigations covered the following points: 



(1) Influences of constant and varial)le temperatures u2:)on spi'out- 

 ing. Tests miide in an incubator at temperatures ranging oidy 3 

 degrees were com]):irc(I w ith those in a forcing-house at widely I'ang- 

 ing temperatures. 



(2) Influences of different <|uantities of water upon si)routing. 



(3) Influences of the soaking of seeds before sowing. 



(4) Influences of character of soil upon sprouting. Potting soil 

 Avas compared Avith sand for beans. 



(5) Influences of light upon the sprouting of seeds. Seeds were 

 sown on the surface of soil in pots or pans, Avhich were then covered 

 with a pane of glass or an iron saucer or a board. 



(G) "Weight of seeds in relation to sprouting. 



(7) Color of seed in relation to sprouting. For example, white 

 beans compared with green; white morning-glor}^ seeds with black. 



