ACniCULTUn-AL MUSEUM 69 



contains is not so thoroughly ripened ; hence the yonng 

 plant must be weaker; Whereas, old seed lies a consi- 

 derable space of time in the ground before it germinates ; 

 takes a stronger hold of it: the flower by which the 

 young plant is at fii'sl sustained is in more perfect state; 

 and the plant itself being strong-er is consequently less 

 liable to disease. In men and other animals, gradual 

 growth is a great sign of health and longevity ; and 

 why should not the same principle extend to vegetables? 

 It is observed, that the fine thin skinned Amei-ican 

 wheat, is very apt to suffer by the mildew, owing it is 

 supposed, to the same? circumstanceSj of early or too rapid 

 germination. 



It is probable, that the practice of using young seed, 

 might be introduced in times of scarcity, when the high 

 price tempted the farmer to dispose of the whole of his 

 old stock. Its speedily appearing above ground, might 

 be an argument in its favor adverting to the after conse- 

 quences, which might not be observed at the time, or at- 

 tributed to other causes. I am informed, that a Mr. 

 French of Ballirica, who farms in the hundreds of Es- 

 sex, constantly uses old wheat; in that respect imitating 

 the example of his father, who w^as led to the practice 

 by finding that old seed was in general cheaper than new. 

 It is said, neither he, nor his son, ever had smutted 

 wheat; and their crops have always been remarkably 

 good. In their practice, provided the seed was sound 

 and sweet, size or bulk was not much regarded; age 

 t)eing the principal object attended to. 



These observations are made for the purpose of call- 

 ing the attention of farmers to so interesting a subject of 

 inquiry. It is to be hoped, that mapy experiments will 

 be tried, in various parts of the country, for the purpose 

 of ascertaining- an important fact, whether new or oli 

 ^eed ought to be preferred, and the grounds thereof 



It would be of great use to ascertain, 1st. Whether 

 the wheat should be preserved in straw or in sacks. 

 2d. Whether young seed if it must be used, might not be 

 improved, by being gently kiln dried so as not to hurt 

 the genu ; by this practice, the grain might be consoli- 



