326 THE SMALL GRAINS 



at a temperature of 70 F. for several days, after which 

 the number of kernels that show good sprouts is counted. 

 If the latter amount to 90 or more from each 100 tested, 

 the seed is satisfactory from the standpoint of germina- 

 tion. Treatment of seed for smut prevention is de- 

 scribed in Chapter XVIII (563-566). 



353. Time of fall seeding. As a rule, the small 

 grains should be sown early, whether in fall or spring 

 (Fig. 98), though early seeding is considerably more im- 



FIG. 97. Putting in oats near Bloomington, Illinois. 



portant in the spring. Winter cereals should be sown 

 early enough for the formation of strong roots before the 

 winter begins, but not so early as to permit jointing. 

 The latter does not usually occur before freezing in the 

 Northern states and Canada. Seeding must often be 

 delayed to avoid damage by Hessian fly (see 522). 

 In the South there is more danger of jointing in the fall, 

 because of the long growing season. If the crop is to 

 be a cover, jointing does not matter, and if it is to be pas- 

 tured, the pasturing will check the jointing. If the 

 crop is started in excellent condition, though late sown, 



