1913.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 31. 27 



From an examination of tlic data shown in tlie tal)los it will 

 be seen that there are considerable dilTerenccs in the results ob- 

 tained bv the various seed-testino: stations. If we compare the 

 highest and lowest percentages in each ta])le for purity and ger- 

 niiiiatidu tests we find the following results: the greatest varia- 

 tion in the percentage of pure seed in red clover was 1.7 per 

 cent. ; that for germination, 14 per cent. This sample was re- 

 ported on by 19 different testing stations. 



In the sample of timothy, 19 stations gave a difference of 

 1.7 per cent, in the purity tests and 11 per cent, for germina- 

 tion. In 18 station tests of millet there was a difference of 

 2.5 per cent, in the purity and 12 per cent, in the germination 

 tests. Twenty-one tests of Kentucky blue grass gave a differ- 

 ence of 27.6 per cent, in the purity and 85 per cent, in germi- 

 nation tests. Twenty-one tests of orchard grass showed a 

 difference of 25.'4 per cent, for purity and 41 per cent, for ger- 

 mination. In the sample of alfalfa, tested by 18 different 

 stations, there was a difference of 5.7 per cent, in purity and 7 

 per cent, in germination. 



The maximum differences given in the purity tests are in 

 most cases unimportant, 1 or 2 per cent, variation showing care- 

 ful work ; but differences of 5 or 10 per cent, or more are serious 

 to the seedsman when he is required to conform to certain laws. 

 This is also true of the germination tests, 2 or 3 per cent, or 

 more being of little account, but when the differences range 

 from 10 to 85 per cent., it is food for thought. Kentucky blue 

 grass and orchard grass showed the greatest variations in the 

 tests, but the purity tests, as might be expected, ran more evenly 

 than the germination. The results given in these tables are by 

 no means unusual, as greater differences in tests of the same 

 sample from various seed-testing stations have previously been 

 observed. On receiving results like these it is quite natural for 

 the seedsman to ask what is the right course to follow, and which 

 report he shall take as a basis for the guarantee under which 

 he shall sell such seed as Kentucky blue grass and orchard grass. 

 It is well known that there is a great deal of variation in the 

 seed itself, due quite often to climatic conditions. The tests 

 also vary greatly, even when the same methods are used, from 

 different causes, and from the results given in these tables it 



