How to Test Seeds 



147 



the best results are to be attained by planting in the 

 soil in conditions as nearly as possible approaching 

 the normal requirements of the particular species or 

 variety. A light, loose loam with a good admixture 

 of sand is the best soil for this purpose. A good 

 method is to place two or three inches of loam in a 

 flat, wetting it as thoroughly as possible without pud- 

 dling it; then cover the soil with an inch or less of 



Fig. 34. The testing of seeds in earthenware pans, 

 known to gardeners as lily-pans. 



sterilized (baked) sand, in which to sow the seeds. 

 The loam keeps the sand supplied with moisture. 



The inexperienced operator will usually apply too 

 much water for the best results in germination. Gar- 

 deners are well aware that very conflicting results may 

 be secured from the same lot of seed by different de- 

 grees of watering. The same remark applies to varia- 

 tions in temperature. Celery, for example, gives very 

 poor tests in widely fluctuating temperatures; it is also 

 injured by being kept at a uniformly high temperature, 

 whereas melons and beans give the best tests in a 

 high temperature. 



The seeds should be sown carefully at uniform 



