Turnip . 



Preservation of Seeds 



141 



2. PRESERVATION OP SEEDS 



We have seen (p. 130) that the manner of storing 

 and handling seeds has much to do with their viability. 

 Seeds which* are to be stored should be guarded 

 against the concurrence of the chief agents which 

 incite germination : moisture and warmth. There 

 should also be protections from insects. Except in 

 the case of seeds which need to be stratified, moisture 

 is the most frequent agent of destruction of germi- 

 native vitality. All common garden, field and flower 

 seeds should be thoroughly "cured" or "seasoned" 

 before they are stored, by placing them in a dry and 

 airy room. 



The importance of curing is illustrated by the following 

 tests (W. S. Devol, Rep. Ohio Exp. Sta., 1886, 236): "One 

 kernel was taken from midway between the tips and butts of 

 each of one hundred ears of corn that had been spread upon a 

 floor until well dried, then stored in boxes. When tested in May, 

 every kernel (100 per cent) germinated.. A sample was taken in 

 a similar manner at the same time, from another hundred ears 



