118 



SEEDING AND PLANTING 



(Fig. 21). This test gives excellent and quick germination when 

 the investigation covers a period of 20 days or less. 



When a large number of samples of tree seeds are to be tested 

 between strips of flannel or other cloth, 

 the Geneva seed tester is recommended. 

 This consists of a vessel made of tin or 

 galvanized iron, across the top of which 

 are placed a number of glass or metal 

 rods. A piece of cloth of the same width 

 as the vessel is attached to the rods, in 

 such a manner that when it is suspended 

 over the vessel pockets are formed be- 

 tween the rods to hold the seed. When 

 the apparatus is in use it is partially 

 filled with water and the seed placed 

 in the pockets | inch above the sur- 

 face of the water. Moisture is brought 

 to the seed by capillary action through 

 the cloth which reaches from the pockets 

 to the water. In making this apparatus 

 a single piece of cloth may be extended 

 over the whole series of rods so that there 

 is a deep fold between adjacent rods. The exchange of air and 

 gases is regulated by the degree of crowding of the rods (Fig. 22). 



FIG. 21. Germinating 



flask. 

 Flask. 



Water surface. 

 Strip of flannel. 

 Pockets for seed. 

 Cover. 



FIG. 22. The Geneva seed tester. 



a. Impervious pan. 



b. Glass or metal rods. 



o. Fold or pocket between the rods. 



d. Cloth suspended in the water from the lower part of the fold. 



e. Position of the water surface below the fold. 

 /. Glass cover. 



The apparatus is placed in a hothouse or ordinary living room 



where the temperature is sufficiently high to induce germination. 



The Jacobsen germinating apparatus 1 is a Danish invention 



1 Jacobsen, I.: Keimpriifung von Waldsamen. (Centralblatt f . d. gesamte 

 Forstwesen, S. 22-28. 1910.) 



