44 



THE VITALITY AND GERMINATION OF SEEDS. 



the summer of 1900 the maximum temperature at Wagoner, Ind. T., 

 was 107 F. (41.1 C.), while that of Lake City, Fla., was 103 F. 

 (39.5 C.). If these points are kept in mind, it is not at all surpris- 

 ing to find that seeds lose their vitality within a few weeks or months 

 in warm, moist climates. 



In order to make the above facts more clear the preceding table has 

 been summarized and is presented in the following condensed form, 

 showing the relation of the water content of the seed to vitality: 



TABLE XI. Marked deterioration in vitality ivith an increase in the quantity of the 



content of seeds. 



Peas not included in this set. 



Numerous other results of a similar character might be cited, but it 

 hardly seems necessary at this time, since there can be no doubt that 

 moisture is the prime factor in causing the premature destruction of 

 vitality in seeds in the usual conditions of storage. Why they lose 

 their vitality as a result of the unfavorable conditions is quite a differ- 

 ent question, and has to do with the very complex composition of the 

 seed. 



A COMPARISON OF METHODS OF STORING AND SHIPPING SEEDS 

 IN ORDER TO PROTECT THEM FROM MOISTURE AND CONSE- 

 QUENTLY TO INSURE A BETTER PRESERVATION OF VITALITY. 



SUGGESTIONS OF EARLIER INVESTIGATORS. 



As early as 1832, Aug. Pyr. De Candolle rt wrote a chapter on the 

 conservation of seeds, in which he said that if seeds be protected from 

 moisture, heat, and oxygen, which are necessary for germination, 

 their vitality will be much prolonged; moreover, that if seeds are 

 buried sufficiently deep in the soil, so that they are protected at all 

 times from the very great influence of oxygen and moisture, their 

 vitality will be preserved for a much longer period. 



Physiologie V^getale, Paris, 1832, Tome II, p. 618. 



