606 THE PHYSIOLOGY OF SOWING SEEDS. 
‘Thus, by collating facts and comparing them with 
the principles which physiology teaches us, we 
arrive at truths, as results upon which we may 
depend in farming, as in all other departments of 
natural science which are founded upon sound 
physiology. 
It appears, then, that the practice so common 
of manuring ground for crops, previously to sowing 
the seed, though convenient, is not a consistent 
practice. There is thereby a check and restric- 
tion upon a free and full germination of the seed. 
And though the injury thus occasioned, where a 
judicious application of such manures as is only 
calculated for the maintenance of one crop, cannot 
be great, or very apparent, still the application 
thus, is an infringement of one of the laws of 
nature, and cannot but be to some extent detri- 
mental. If the same application of the manure 
could be made at the time vegitation commences, 
there is no doubt but the crop would be benefitted 
thereby. 
If aeration is essential to germination, it is 
equally so to vegetation. Seeds, however, can 
germinate in masses—but plants cannot vegetate 
in masses. ‘hen, they require room for their 
