132 PRESERVATION OF SEEDS. 



tained in the berry, but will seldom grow the second 

 year when removed from it. As a safe general 

 guide, it may be adopted as a rule, that all seeds 

 will keep three years, and grow, provided they are 

 retained in the unopened seed-vessel ; that most 

 seeds, if maturely ripened, and kept in a dry place 

 in close paper packets, will grow the second year; 

 and that all seeds whatever, whether kept in the 

 seed-vessel, or exposed in open drawers like those 

 of the seedmen, will grow the first year after being 

 gathered. Mignionette seed will keep seven years ; 

 but that of stocks and wall-flowers will not remain 

 good more than two years, unless kept in the pod. 

 Sweet peas and lupines will, with difficulty, keep 

 two years, while the seeds of Prince's feather and 

 of poppies will keep several years. Larkspur seed 

 will seldom grow after the second or third year. 

 Notwithstanding the length of time which some 

 seeds will keep, it is generally advisable to sow them 

 as soon after they are ripe as practicable, as fresh 

 seeds always vegetate much sooner than old ones. 



