I 4 ELEMENTARY AGRICULTURE 



them at equal distances in parallel rows in the same 

 box. Note which make the most rapid and vigorous 

 growth during the first week; the second week; the 

 third week. 



3. Select seeds from a supply that has been pre- 

 viously tested and found to be good. Place a dozen 

 of these seeds on paper in each of three dishes. Cover 

 the seeds in the first dish with water and keep them 

 completely covered. In the second dish keep the seeds 

 half covered with water. In the third dish keep the 

 paper on which the seeds are placed always moist, but 

 do not allow water to stand around the seeds. Which 

 seeds germinate most rapidly? Why? What finally 

 happens to the seeds immersed in water? Explain. 



4. Plant some seeds in moist soil and others in 

 the same kind of soil kept very wet. Note the dif- 

 ference in germination and growth. Explain. 



5. Start some beans growing well in each of two 

 boxes side by side on the window sill ; then cover one 

 lot with another box or a paper cone. At the end of 

 a week remove the cover and note the effect that 

 absence of light has had on the growth and appearance 

 of the plants. 



6. Provide for the growth of seedlings against 

 glass. This may be done by planting seeds in a glass 

 jar, a tumbler, or even in an old crayon box set on 

 end, the other end removed, and a piece of glass put 

 in the place of the cover. By pressing the seeds close 

 against the glass their germination and growth can 

 be easily observed from day to day. 



