THE SAVING OF SEED 



11 



FIG. 8. A good ear of 

 corn and its ancestor. The 

 result of selection. 



more than any other qualities. The gardener must be alert 

 to find the plants from which to save seed, and to gather 

 it at the right time. His judgment 

 shows itself in knowing what to 

 look for in a plant, and in recog- 

 nizing it when it appears. For 

 example, one who wishes to save 

 the seed of corn should know the 

 looks of a healthy plant and a 

 good ear ; he should always be on 

 the watch for them, he should pro- 

 tect them while growing, gather 

 them while ripe, and dry and 

 store them properly. 



Study, then, any kind of plant 

 from which you wish to save seed. 

 Whether it is a columbine or a 



potato, learn what a healthy one is like. When you have 

 found such a one, protect it and watch for the proper time 

 to gather seed. The time varies a good deal. There is, for 

 instance, no hurry about corn. When the seed is ripe, the 

 plant is nearly dead. The ear may remain on the stalk for 

 some time afterward. But a columbine, or poppy, or lupine 

 may suddenly shed its seed. Know what your plant is 

 likely to do. Generally it is the flower that sows its own 

 seed, and generally the vegetable that can wait for a long 

 time. But learn the right time for picking, watch for it, 

 and then pick. Gather the whole pods, or the whole fruit. 



Once the seed is picked, it must be treated. If small, keep 

 it in a tin box. Put it daily to dry in the sun, until it is 

 thoroughly dry. If it is a podded seed, lay the pods on 

 white paper, so that if the seeds fall out they may be gathered 

 easily. If it is a fruit like a squash, or is an ear of corn, there 



