4o6 



Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [lo June, 191 i. 



stalk are developed. The result is that the crop is exposed to the injurious 

 effects of various pests and adverse weather conditions. 



When seed is sown at a uniform depth and covered evenl}-, better 

 germination is obtained and a greater number of plants survive. Broad- 

 cast sowing, with harrowing or raking in, leaves the seeds at uneven depths, 

 manv being entirely exposed on the surface. These exposed seeds, of course, 

 run the gauntlet of many destructive agencies. Even if they succeed in 

 getting a foothold, they are later on in life lashed about on their axes by 

 every wind that blows, with the result that of the original number a large 

 percentage fail. When seeds are weak, owing to age, immaturity, or some 

 other cause, fair germination may often be obtained under genial condi- 

 tions ; but, when the latter are at all trying, large numbers will fail. Hence, 

 it is advisable to make heavier .seedings in such cases. 



It is a common rule, in the practice of intense culture, that small seeds 

 should be sown thicker than the plants are to remain. Thus selection is 



TURNIPS, BROADCAST AND IN DRILLS. 



permitted. This selection has been a potent factor in the amelioration of 

 garden plants. The plants remaining after thinning are more likely to give 

 good results as it is only the best plants that are left ; besides, the loss of 

 labour, land, and a sea.son is avoided. Relatively, the cost of preparing 

 land for heavy feeding crops is great, while seeds are cheap ; hence, it 

 is better to hazard a little additional seed as a safeguard against failures 

 than to lose the full productive power of the land for a season. In frames 

 or small patches, where conditions can be controlled, only a small allow- 

 ance should be made for failures. 



The quantities recommended in seed catalogues are usually on a liberal 

 basis ; in many cases, far in excess of the actual number of plants required. 

 However, taking results over a number of years, sowing at different seasons, 

 under changing conditions, with variable seed, there is probably not an un- 

 warrantable excess. These catalogues are of value to the amateur in indi- 



