FRUITS AND SEEDS 233 



Experiment 79. Seed Testing Germination. 



Apparatus : Shallow box filled with soil, or moistened saw- 

 dust, divided into squares by strings crossing the box; 

 beaker 100 c.c. 



Materials: Seeds to be tested, 2 sheets blotting paper 

 6" X 6". 



a. Place some seeds in a beaker full of water and see what 

 happens to them in a few days. What do seeds need in 

 order to sprout? 



b. Place some seeds in some dry soil. Do they sprout? 



c. Place some seeds one fourth of an inch below the sur- 

 face of the soil in the little squares, in the box. Number the 

 squares and make a note of the seeds used. See how many 

 germinate. Corn may be tested in this manner and the proper 

 kind of corn selected for planting. 



d. Seeds may be sprouted by being kept between two pieces 

 of moistened blotting paper. Try it. 



