GERMINATION OF SEED. 29 
of heat, the requisite moisture also being supplied. The 
first food which the germ receives is contained in the seed 
itself, and there is no evidence that water holding in solu- 
tion any of the salts that have been used for this purpose 
hastens germination, or facilitates the transformation of 
the starch in the seed in any greater degree than water 
alone. These, as well as other liquid manures, may be 
applied, however, with good effect when the roots and 
leaves have been well formed, and the supply of nutriment 
in the seed has been exhausted. Steeping in hot water is 
probably the easiest and most certain method of applying 
heat, so as to induce quick germination; but if too long 
continued, it will either impair greatly the native hardihood 
of the young plant, or completely destroy its vitality ; there- 
fore it should be practiced only when early planting is im- 
possible. 
3* 
