lo June, 1911.] SefJs and Sadiitg. 405 



seed and the peculiar nature of some soils, the difficulty will be recognised 

 of obtaining an implement that fulfils what is demanded of a gCK^d sower, 

 viz. : — 



1. To sow any kind of garden seed. 



2. To sow any depth. 



3. To sow any distance apart, and under any ordinary conditions when such 



seeds may be sown. 



A great many sowers will work well with a certain size of seed, under a 

 special set of conditions, but usually there is some drawback that is opposed 

 to their adoption for common use in small gardens. The frequent re-adjust- 

 ing that i'S necessary in sowing different kinds of seeds in small lots, and 

 the lack of uniformity in the preparation of soils for different crops are, 

 perhaps, the greatest disadvantages. Large seeds are quickly and easily 

 sown by hand in small areas, while for a small seed a number of hand 

 sowers are in use. These are of great assistance to the amateur in gaining 

 an even distribution. The ordinary seed packet or bag can be made to 

 serve the purpose of a sower by tearing back the flap at the corner of one 

 end. 



In field operations, the drill has steadily superseded broadcast sowing 

 by machine or hand, owing chiefly to its possessing the following advan- 

 tages, viz. : — 



1. It sows at a uniform depth, thus securing' better germination. 



2. Less seed is required per acre. 



3. It permits a better control over the quantity sown. 



4. FertiHzers may be evenly distributed with the seed. 



Probably the more important features in carrying out seedage opera- 

 tions are as under: — 



1. Quantity to plant; 



2. Depth to plant ; 



3. Selection of kind of variety. 



Germination may also be added here, although it is reallv an after 

 result that is governed by sowing. Let us consider these items under their 

 separate headings. 



(juANiiTiEs TO Plant. 



This will depend chiefly on : — 



1. The tillering or branching jirojiensiiies of the plant. 



2. The season of sowing. 



3. Ihiiformity of planting. 



4. Tlie condition of the seed. 



In connexion with most of diu' agricultural seeds, exi)eriinents have 

 proved what quantities, sown luider normal conditions, give the best 

 results. The intelligent grower, however, accepts these quantities as pro- 

 visional, and makes his .sowing heavy, light or medium, actording to con- 

 ditions and lh(> peculiarities of the \ariei\. Many early maturing annual 

 plants as. lor insl.uKf. ilunyip wheat, l\arlv York cabl)age. and Early 

 Purple Top turnip, do not shoot or spread out in the same manner as certain 

 other varieties, e.g., Darts Imperial wheat. Drumhead cabbage, and 

 White Stone turnip. Hence, heavier seeding or closer planting should be 

 adopted to obtain the best returns. While, witii those \.irieties that desire 

 a free development of branches or leaves, light .seeding should i»e adopted. 

 If thev are sown thickly, " drawing " results, and, with rcxtt crops, the 

 toj) is develop<-(l at the expense of the rcMit. With cereals, too much flag and 



