144 



AGRONOMY 



FIG. 104. Proper method of writing labels 



chance of confusing the two words in deciphering them. Labels 

 should be so placed as to stand at the beginning of the rows 

 with the writing facing away from the seeds or plants they refer 



to. Unless this 



/ Le tfayaAeaet H^* rule is consist- 



ently followed, 

 when several 



kinds are planted in the same row, there is no way of discover- 

 ing on which side of the label the plants are that bear the name. 

 Saving seed. In many cases it is as well to save the seeds 

 of desirable crops as it is to buy new supplies of the seedsman 

 annually. For the purpose of seed production one should 

 select the best specimens and take care that inferior stock 

 does not become mixed with it, through cross-pollination. By 

 careful selection one may produce even better crops than the 

 original. It is not 

 desirable, however, 

 to save the seeds of 

 double flowers or 

 of plants that grow 

 near other varieties 

 of the same species, 

 because they are not 

 likely to come true 

 from seed the fol- 

 lowing year. The 

 different varieties of 

 corn readily mix in 

 this way, and so do plants that produce flowers of several dif- 

 ferent colors. Seeds should be spread out to dry in a shady 

 place, and when thoroughly dried should be stored in a tin 

 box in a cool, dry place. In warm climates seeds are usually 

 short-lived, and in all regions they require uniform conditions 

 as regards temperature and moisture. 



FIG. 105. A seed-tight packet that may be made 

 by simply folding a sheet of paper. See page 146 



