OF ROOT CULTIVATION. 30 



38*8 per cent., as against 24*6 for the seed of 1860, 

 and 28 as the average of the whole samples. Such 

 is the great difference "between two and three year 

 old seeds. 



2nd. — Even the ahove genuine seeds (!) are not 

 unfrequently mixed, and we may now examine the 

 nature of some of these mixtures. Charlock and 

 Indian rape are all prepared for this purpose : that 

 is to say, they are rendered incapable of germinating 

 before mixture — " Dead men tell no tales." Now 

 rubbish, so prepared, is well known in the trade as 

 000 seed. Under this denomination all seedsmen 

 know it, and it can be procured by the trade at about 

 7s. per bushel. 



With respect to this 000 seed, we direct attention 

 to the following letter addressed to a most respectable 

 firm. 



Southampton, April 27, 1860. 



Gentlemen, — Being in possession of a new and improved method 

 of killing seeds without the use of any chemicals, so that the seed when 

 in a 000 state has not that unpleasant smell it has when killed by 

 the old method, and" does not look perished if it be crushed. A man 

 by the new process may kill ten or twelve quarters per day, and the 

 apparatus is so constructed that it is impossible for a single seed to 

 leave it alive ; and one great advantage is, that if you want a sack of 

 000 seed in a hurry you may kill a sack of rape or turnip, or any 

 seed, and have it fit for use in an hour. Seed in the process of killing 

 increases in measure and weight, and when you send it out to be 

 killed, of course, the seed-killers keep the extra weight and measure. 

 If you think it worth your attention, I will send you a small working 

 model, so that you may kill a few pounds of kale or cauliflower, or 

 any small seeds in a few minutes, and instructions for making a large 

 one on receipt of a Post-office order for £2. 



Yours truly, 



