86 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



94, p. 182; also to his numerous writings in our horticultural and 

 farm journals, particularly those of the northwest. That the north- 

 west have most highly appreciated Air. Gaylord's unselfish labors in 

 helping to advance the first and most noble calling given to man is 

 seen from the fact that Minnesota many, years ago, and without his 

 knowledge, made him an honorary life member of its society. His 

 own state soon followed suit, as well as the N. E. Iowa Society, in 

 each case by a unanimous vote. 



F"ew men are better known among the horticulturists of the 

 northwest than the subject of this sketch, and none, we believe, are 

 more highly honored for a persistent adherence to what they be- 

 lieve to be the only and the true gospel of fruit growing. He is in 

 every sense a pioneer, hardy and rugged, a true product of the stren- 

 uous life the settler of an early day in a new country must live. As 

 such, Mr. Gaylord is entitled to, and is receiving in a gratifying 

 way, a large measure of respect, and his views, which are often radi- 

 cal, the consideration that his experience and unusual powers of ob- 

 servation entitle them to. A forceful man, his life has borne fruit, 

 and its results will run on long after he has ceased his active labors. 

 Such men continue to live, in the largest sense, even after the body 

 is laid away to rest and the name even may have been forgotten. 



A. W. L., Sec. 



Testing Seeds Cheaply. — One of the most important parts of gardening 

 in winter, when but little outdoor work can be done, is the testing of seeds. 

 Of course those obtained from first-class seed houses, and which are to be 

 sown the year in which they have been purchased, do not require testing, 

 as no dealer who values his reputation would send out seeds about the 

 vitality of which there could be the least doubt. Seeds vary greatly in the 

 length of time for which they retain their vitality. Some kinds cannot be 

 relied upon after one year, while others are safe for ten and more years. It 

 is, therefore, advisable to test all seeds on hand, and thus avoid disappoint- 

 ment and loss of time and crops. 



There are several styles of "seed testers" in market, but in a small way 

 any one can test the vitality of left-over seeds, without expense. Pieces of 

 flannel or any kind of woolen material are cut to the size of saucers or plates. 

 Two or three thicknesses are placed in the plate, and 50 or 100 seeds 

 scattered over the surface. They are then covered with more pieces oi 

 flannel and thoroughly moistened with lukewarm water. The saucers are 

 then to be put in a warm place. The flannel should never be permitted 

 to become dry. By examining the seeds from day to day and removing the 

 sprouting ones, the percentage of good seeds is easily ascertained. 



