The Gathering and Storing of Seeds. 107 



Seeds usually retain vitality longer when not removed 

 from their natural covering, probably because they are 

 thus exposed to fewer changes of humidity and temper- 

 ature. Timothy seeds, that become hulled in threshing, 

 lose vitality sooner than those that escape hulling, even 

 when the two sorts have been kept in the same bag. In- 

 dian corn is said to retain vitality longer on the cob than 

 shelled, and longer when the ear is unhusked than if 

 husked. 



167. Moisture is an Enemy to Stored Seeds, except for 

 the class that requires stratification (170). A little 

 moisture in stored seeds is very liable to cause the devel- 

 opment of fungi (moulds) that may destroy the embryo. 

 Damp seeds are also liable to be destroyed by freezing. 

 It is important that seeds be dried promptly after gathering, 

 for if mould once starts, subsequent drying may not de- 

 stroy the fungus; the latter may resume growth as soon 

 as the seed is planted, thus enfeebling or destroying the 

 embryo before it has time to germinate. Drying by 

 moderate artificial heat (not higher than 100 F. ) is wise 

 with seeds gathered in cold or damp weather. 



Oily seeds, as of Indian corn, sunflower, and the cab- 

 bage family (cabbage, cauliflower, kohl-rabi, Brussels 

 sprouts, ruta-baga, rape, turnip, mustard) cannot safely 

 be stored in bulk in large quantities, except in cool 

 weather. 



Seeds are shorter-lived in warm than in cooler climates. 



The most satisfactory method of preserving seeds in 

 quantity is to inclose them in bags of rather loose texture 

 and of moderate size, and to store these in a cool, dry and 

 airy place. 



