12 



THE BEGINNER'S GARDEN BOOK 



FIG. 9. A SQUASH AND ITS 

 SEED. 



When the squash is to be 

 eaten, scoop out the seed and 

 dry it. 



is no better way than to dry it whole and keep it so. As 

 we shall see later, there is an especial reason for keeping the 

 corn seed on the cob until it is wanted. With a pulpy fruit 



like the tomato, time will be re- 

 quired for it to become so dry that 

 the seeds will separate out. 



And once dry, the seed must be 

 stored. To begin with, label it 

 clearly. Then, as it should be dry 

 all the time, protect it from mois- 

 ture. Keep it next from warmth. 

 For moisture and warmth will 

 cause seed to sprout or to spoil. 

 It may be well, also, to keep seed 

 from the light. A cool, dry cellar 



or closet is a good place in which to store it. But here or 

 anywhere it must be kept from mice, for they will speedily 

 ruin seed or tubers. 



The watching of plants which you have raised from your 

 own seed is very interesting. It is a test of your judgment. 

 It is satisfying to find that your poppy, or your corn, is as 

 good as, or even perhaps a little better than, the plant of 

 last year. Your money has been saved to good purpose, and 

 your work is well paid. Of course you haven't a new kind 

 of plant ; we leave that to the breeder ; l but of your kind 

 you have a new strain. When for a second time you save 

 the seed, you can feel almost sure that the seedman himself 

 has none better. Moreover, you know well at least one 

 department of gardening. If you carry the work further, 

 you may be well rewarded, indeed. Only a few years of 

 careful selection may prove you to have a strain of seed which, 



1 Of course pure accident, such as sometimes happens, may produce in 

 your garden a new and fine variety. 



