making numerous tests from all parts of the plant. If a 

 certain percentage of germination is guaranteed the grower 

 is honor bound, as well as required by law, to replace or 

 return the purchase price for all seed falling short of germi- 

 nation standard. 



If there is any doubt about the vitality of seed corn pur- 

 chased from a seed firm or neighbor, it should be tested 

 before making a complaint. A conservative seed corn grower 

 will always guarantee less than the results of the germina- 

 tion tests, as most breeders do. A guarantee of ninety-five 

 per cent is a strong guarantee for seed that will usually go 

 over ninety-nine per cent. 



Some customers, in placing their order for seed corn, 

 state that they expect to test the seed when it arrives; and 

 if it does not test a certain amount, it will be returned. 

 This is sometimes a stiff proposition but it is made fairly 

 and squarely. The breeder alone knows whether or not his 

 seed will come up to the requirements and the order should 

 be accepted or declined accordingly. 



THE FOUR ESSENTIALS OF GERMINATION 



All seeds, to make the most rapid growth, must be strong 

 in vitality. The seed bed also must be of the right tempera- 

 ture and must contain the proper amount of moisture and 

 oxygen. 



If corn is gathered before it has had time to ripen in 

 the field, the kernels will be immature. Immature corn, due 

 to the larger amount of sugar in the kernels, will usually 

 germinate rapidly under ideal conditions, but since it has a 

 small reserve of plant food, the kernels will rot if the ground 

 is cold and wet, before the young rootlets have "a chance to 

 draw from outside sources. 



