THE TESTING OF SEED 61 



rag-doll tester. This is made of a strip of cloth eight inches 

 wide and as long as necessary. If it is to be used often, the 

 edges should be hemmed to prevent raveling. Down the 

 middle draw a line, and draw lines across this every two or 

 three inches. Number these divisions, and in them lay the 

 kernels from the numbered ears, after the cloth has been wet. 

 Then, using a small round stick, to make the work easier, 

 and to keep the kernels evenly wet, roll up the cloth from one 

 end, and keep it tight by string or rubber bands. Now soak 

 the roll in water for two hours or more, and then set it under 

 the pail in which it has been soaked. 



All these testers should be kept warm (not less than 50) 

 by night as well as by day. 



The testers will give the same results from a test of corn, 

 and are quite as good as any of the expensive ones which 

 may be bought. The results should be studied with a little 

 care. Kernels which sprout badly or not at all, or which 

 when sprouted do not promise to give strong plants, show 

 that the ears from which they came should not be used in 

 planting. Those which sprout actively show the ears which 

 may be used. 



The custom of testing corn is one of the wisest, and will 

 sometimes nearly double the crop. One thing it has proved. 

 Corn should be stored, or bought, not shelled, but always on 

 the ear. Then it can be tested. 



The record of a corn or other seed test should be carefully 

 kept in the note-book. 



But the germination, or sprouting test, is not the only 

 way of testing seed. Seed is often adulterated. This is 

 not possible with the seed of corn, or beans, or any other 

 large and peculiarly shaped seed, unless seed of another 

 variety of the same kind is mixed with it. This might be 

 done, and could not be detected until the crop is harvested. 



