OF ROOT CULTIVATION. 35 



Of these samples we see that within a fraction of 

 30 per cent, is the average of non-germinating seeds, 

 and this is only so low on account of two or three 

 unusually good samples, the general range being from 

 20 to 30 per cent, of non-germinating seeds for the 

 last twenty samples. 



If we compare No. 5, Table 2, with No. 4, Table 4, 

 we see a difference in the Orange Jelly Turnip ; in 

 the former little more than half came up, in the latter 

 every seed. This is of importance, as showing what 

 genuine seed may be, the latter being doubtless as 

 unmixed as the former was mixed. 



Now as regards the charge of mixing, we are not 

 going to make it without some evidence. In looking 

 over the tables we have now given, it will be seen that 

 genuine seed has but a small per-centage of non- 

 germinating seeds — say from 5 to 10 per cent. ; but 

 not only the examples herein referred to, with hosts 

 of separate ones which have fallen under our notice, 

 show a general amount of dead seeds, of from 20 to 

 30 per cent. For these figures compare Table 1 with 

 Tables 2, 3, 4, and 5. In those of the first lot the 

 samples were sent direct to us from a seedsman, and 

 their behaviour shows us clearly enough that good 

 seeds are to be obtained, but the other tables are as 

 clear that from some seedsmen, at any rate, though 

 inferior samples, they are as good as are actually sold. 



That seeds are mixed we have, then, good internal 

 evidence ; but we are also in possession of facts more 

 conclusive upon this important point, and we shall 

 in this next chapter endeavour to enlighten our 

 readers as to the art and mystery (especially) of 

 turnip-seed adulteration. 



D 2 



