822 Choice of Seed. 



The shape of the seed merits attention, for though size or 

 magnitude is generally owing to the soil in which it has been 

 grown, yet it is likewise a sign of its ripeness. In regard to 

 figure, much depends upon the climate, for warm and early 

 situations produce round grain ; whereas a long figure de- 

 notes the reverse. Colour is a popular mark in some cases, 

 but is not itself of importance. It is prudent, however, to 

 raise that sort which is most suitable to the market, in regard 

 to colour, and in other respects. Sometimes seed, appa- 

 rently quite sound, is incapable of producing plants. This 

 should be ascertained, by sowing a certain number, and see- 

 ing how they spring. 



On the whole, though blighted grain will often vegetate, 

 and though it is possible, that in rich soils, and in very fa- 

 vourable seasons, it may produce even an abundant harvest, 

 yet the prudent farmer, will not rely upon the chance of such 

 an eventy as a practice on which he ought to depend, more 

 especially when his crops are sown in winter, or early in 

 spring, and consequently are exposed to much severity of 

 weather ( 69 ). 



Care also must be taken, that the seed has not suffered 

 injury by being bruised, or having imperfect lobes, or broken 

 husks, and that there is no risk of sterility from age ( 7 ). 



Where domestic seed is relied on, it is proper to change 

 the seed from the heavier, to the lighter parts of the farm, 

 and vice versa, if there be much difference. On clay farms 

 in general, domestic seed may be safely used for some time ; 

 but with a view to prevent degeneracy, it is an excellent 

 practice, to select, from the growing crops, the ears which 

 are the soonest ripe, and which are of the plumpest quality; 

 by this means, those husbandmen who devote themselves 

 in a peculiar manner to this object, can not only supply 

 themselves, but can always command a much higher price 

 than others, by selling the grain raised upon their farms for 

 seed, either among their neighbours, or in other districts ( 7l ). 



SECT. VII. Change of Seed. 



A CHANGE of seed, being founded on rational principles, 

 is in general to be recommended. Every species of grain 

 has a climate in which it flourishes, and a soil in which it never 

 degenerates; for instance, in Sicily, where wheat is said to 

 grow naturally, the seed that drops from the mother-plant, 

 arrives at perfection, though neither the seed nor the soil be 



