CH. I.] SOWING. ' 11 



This speedy loss of \-itality in seeds abounding in 

 nitrogenous matter, is just what the chemist would 

 predict ; for all bodies so constituted are most prone 

 to decomposition and decay. 



The following list, furnished by the late Mr. Lou- 

 don, shows the greatest age at which some of our 

 common garden seeds germinate freely ; and this 

 result of experience is quite concuiTent ^vith our 

 knowledge of their chemical constitution : — 



One year. Peas, beans, kidney beans, carrot, par- 

 snip, oraches, herb-patience, rhubarb, elm, poplar, 

 and willow. 



Tivo years. Radish, salsafy, scorzonera, purslane, 

 the alUums, cardoon, rampion, alisander, love apple, 

 capsicum, egg-plant. 



Three years. Sea-kale, artichoke, lettuce, mari- 

 gold, rue, rosemaiy. 



Four years. Brassicas, skirret, spinach, asparagus, 

 endive, mustard, tarragon, borage. 



Five and six years. Burnet, sorrel, parsley, dill, 

 fennel, chervil, hyssop. 



Ten years. Beet, celery, pompion, cucumber, melon. 



Now in this list generally, as already observed, 

 those with the most of nitrogenous matters among 

 their component parts, are the first to decompose, 

 and consequently lose their \-itahty ; and those with 

 the greatest amount of starch and lignin, or more 

 carbonaceous constituents, retain their germinating 



