PRINCIPLES OF SEED TESTING 363 



SEED TESTING B'OR FARMERS 



A scientific account of the whole system of seed 

 testing cannot be given in a work of this character, 

 which is intended chiefly for the use of farmers, gar- 

 deners, and others. It will be sufficient for our present 

 purpose to indicate the main principles involved in 

 testing the general quality of farm and garden seeds. 



It may be first pointed out that a complete analysis 

 and test of a seed sample should show : 



1. Whether the seed is true to name. 



2. The degree of purity of the seed, i.e. whether it is 

 nearly all pure seed, or contains a large percentage of 

 weed seeds, rubbish, or seeds of a species not wanted. 



3. The germinating capacity of the seed, or its capa- 

 city to germinate and produce strong plants under 

 suitable conditions. 



4. The origin of the seed, i.e. whether home grown 

 or foreign, though it may not always be possible to 

 ascertain this. 



5. Whether the seeds are harbouring injurious fungi 

 which may produce a diseased crop ; and 



6. Whether the seeds are old, and have been oiled 

 or otherwise treated to give them the appearance of 

 being good seed. 



If seeds are found to contain much impurity, to have 

 not as high a germinating capacity as is consistent with 

 the species, or to be otherwise not up to a high standard, 

 they should be immediately rejected. Only reputable 

 firms who give some adequate guarantee with their 

 seeds should be dealt with. Further, farmers and gar- 

 deners are strongly recommended not to hesitate to pur- 

 chase the best seed, which is always more economical and 

 profitable in the long run, even at a much higher price, 

 than a low-priced seed of doubtful quality, for the latter 



