204 N. II. KXI'KKIMK.NT STATKiX [Bulletiul48 



The term "percentage of vitality," as used in the law, will be 

 interpreted to mean the percentage of germination, or the number 

 of seeds in 100 which show their vitality by germinating under 

 laboratory test conditions. 



It should be kept in mind that any fixed standard l^elow that 

 which is possible to be attained would be undesirable both for 

 the seedsman and the farmer. Dealers should recognize this 

 fact and aim to handle only the best seeds that can be obtained, 

 and thus gain for themselves a reputation and profit for as high 

 standards of quality and purity as may be reasonably attained. 

 Many conditions affect the vitality of seeds, — the products of 

 certain seasons being unavoidably poor. Many difficulties also 

 attend the separation of certain varieties of farm and garden 

 seeds from certain common weed seeds, and impurities are the 

 result. Seedsmen and farmers, alike, should recognize these 

 facts. But whether the seeds are good or bad, we must know 

 how good or bad they are. 



Labeling: 



The law does not apply to the common five and ten-cent 

 packages of garden and flower seeds. Only seeds sold in bulk 

 or in packages of one pound or more are subject to the provi- 

 sions of the law and are required to be accompanied by a guar- 

 antee stating their percentage of purity and vitalit5^ 



The guarantee or label may be of any form desired by the 

 seller of the seeds, as a tag, sticker, or direct brand upon the 

 container. It must, however, be plainly written or printed, and 

 placed distinctly visible to the purchaser. Each dealer will 

 provide his own labels. 



Tests and Examinations: 



Section two of the law states the provisions under which the 

 tests and analyses shall be made. The Secretary of the State 

 Board of Agriculture has appointed F. W. Taylor, Agronomist 

 of the Experiment Station, as his regular agent for making all 

 tests and analyses in this state. The sellers or dealers who 

 desire to base their guarantees upon tests made by themselves 

 or their agents must first secure the approval by the Secretary 

 of the State Board of Agriculture of the methods to be used in 

 making the tests, and of the person who is to conduct them. 



