THE FORMATION OF FORESTS lett 
thrive in the highlands, and finally, that the Scandi- 
navian Scotch-fir grows considerably slower in the 
Austrian lowlands than their own native fir. 
“All this ought to make it clear to every one how 
important it is, by the aid of seed-testing, to be able 
to secure seed from the places that are likely to be 
most serviceable. 
“ Exactly the same difference in-the size of the 
seed, according to the place of origin, seems to assert 
itself on the great areas of North America.” 
In the testing of seeds, purity from dirt must be 
first considered, and then the percentage of germina- 
tion. The real value of seeds means the number of 
pure and germinating seeds in one hundred. If a 
sample shows a purity per cent of 80, and a germina- 
tion per cent of 90, the real value would be 80 X 90 
10072. In other words, each one hundred 
pounds contains seventy-two pounds of seed capable 
of germinating. 
The price of seed should be regulated by quality 
and not quantity. The real value should determine 
its price. Seeds should be inspected and rated by 
competent government officials. All seeds contain- 
ing pernicious weed-seeds should be condemned. 
Owing to the effects of official inspection, poor Euro- 
pean seeds are shipped to foreign countries. This ac- 
counts at least in part for the wide distribution and ex- 
