CHAPTER IV 

 THE SEED 



There are so many factors which enter into the 

 seed proposition, that it becomes a matter of vital 

 importance to the melon grower. And one of the 

 very first essentials is that of good, sound seeds — 

 seeds which have been properly handled and have 

 not lost their vitality. While melon seeds will re- 

 tain their germinating powers for a number of 

 years if the proper conditions are maintained, yet 

 it is comparatively easy to destroy their vitality by 

 improper care. 



Some of the conditions affecting the duration of 

 seed vitality were set forth by the late Prof. E. S. 

 GofiF of the University of Wisconsin. One of the 

 most important conditions is a uniform degree of 

 humidity and temperature.^ So handling the seeds 

 as to cause as little drain as possible upon the life 

 of the living cells tends greatly to prolong the vital 

 period of seeds. Seeds deeply buried in the ground 

 are often capable of germination at a great age, be- 

 cause in such cases the seeds are subjected to prac- 

 tically no variations in humidity and temperature. 



Seeds of many of our common weeds which have 

 been plowed under quite deeply remain in the soil 

 in perfect condition for years until they are again 

 brought to the surface, when they germinate and 

 grow. The writer has carried on experiments along 

 this line by placing seeds of some of our common 



* "Principles of Plant Culture." 



