FLANTS. 5? 



growth of plants, and even to the sprouting of seeds. 

 Soil is always more or less porous near its surface, and 

 it is filled with air, which supplies the sprouting seed 

 with oxygen. 



Depth of Planting, Most seeds would sprout and grow 

 if dropped upon the surface of the soil in a rainy season, 

 when the atmosphere is damp enough to supply the 

 needed moisture, but it is generally safer and better to 

 cover them with soil. 



The proper depth of planting will depend upon the 

 nature of the soil, climate, crop, etc. In very wet or 

 cold seasons, it is better to cover the seed but little, so 

 that it may have better access to the air and the warmth 

 of the sun. In warm, dry seasons, it should be buried 

 more deeply, so as to secure sufficient moisture. 



In some sections of the country, and in some special 

 seasons, Indian corn will thrive best when planted at a 

 depth of several inches, while ordinarily a light covering 

 is better. 



Many kinds of seeds will not grow at all if buried 

 deeply. The seeds of weeds remain dormant in the soil, 

 until they are brought near the surface by plowing or 

 harrowing, where sufficient air and heat are supplied, 

 and then they spring up and grow vigorously. 



Seeds are supposed to contain a supply of nourishment 

 sufficient to support the young plant until the ascending 

 stem can reach the open air. 



In some cases of deep planting, while there may be 

 oxygen enough to produce growth, the supply of food in 

 the seed becomes exhausted before the surface is reached, 

 and the plant perishes. 



Germination. The process of germination, or sprout- 

 ing of seeds, includes three points. 



