844 



Agricultural Journal of Victoria. 



The Quantity of Seed Sown and Germinating Power. 



As tlie report on the results of the forage experhneuts will scarcely 

 be out sulficiently early to assist the farmer sowing in the coming- 

 spring, the few facts at present available are given in this report. 

 It is at all times advisable that the farmer before sowing, should test 

 the germinating power of the seed he intends to use. This is easily 

 carried out by keeping 100 seeds- between moist flannel in a warm, 

 place, for a few days, and afterwards counting the number which has 

 sprouted. The number will give the percentage. He will regulate 

 the quantity he sows according to this percentage. The table below 

 gives the quantity of seed of a high germinating power usually sown, 

 the percentage of the germinating tests of the seed used in the 

 experiments, the quantity of such seed used, and a few other facts. 

 The yields of most of the crops sown under these conditions have not 

 yet been worked out. 



Distribution of Beet Seed- 



In addition to the beet included in the forage fields, over 400 bags 

 of sifted seed (mostly 12 lbs.) were sent out to farmers making 

 application for supplies to test for fodder purposes. With each packet 

 a circular letter was sent giving a few simple instructions for growing 

 the crop. Towards the end of the summer, a second circular letter 

 was forwarded to each applicant, asking for information as to whether 

 the crop had succeeded, as well as for the opinion of the grower of 

 the crop as a fodder. Accompanying this letter, prints of pulping 

 and washing machines, for cleaning and slicing the roots, were also 

 sent out. A copy of the instructions and letter is reproduced for the 

 information of intending growers of the coming spring. 



