52 A MANUAL OF FARM GRASSES 



knowledge of the condition of the seed and can calculate 

 the amount to sow per acre. With other grasses such 

 as bluegrass and redtop, only a careful examination with 

 a magnifying glass will reveal the proportion of viable 

 seed and then only approximately and often uncertainly. 

 A closer approximation can be made by germination 

 tests. The latter is really the only practicable method to 

 determine the value of commercial seed of most of our 

 meadow and pasture grasses (see Chapter IV). It is 

 evident from this that the farmer who is not in position 

 to determine for himself the value of his seed must depend 

 upon the reliability of his seedsman. The selling price 

 of seed should be an indication of its purity. It is 

 advisable to purchase the best grade at a higher price. 



