EXERCISES 



329 



numerous long, slender roots. Which of these seeds show such development? 

 Does this teach anything with regard to soil preparation? 



6. Look for the rootcap. What seems to be its office? 



7. Observe the root hairs. What do you conclude their function to be? 

 Do they teach anything about soil preparation? 



8. Make drawings illustrating different stages of development and 

 showing the various points mentioned above. 



9. If possible try the germination under cooler temperature and note 

 results. 



DETERMINING THE PURE AND GERMINABLE SEEDS IN A SAMPLE OF CLOVER SEED 1 



(Prepared by A. T. Wiancko, Purdue University) 



Take a capsule having one gram of seed in it. Separate this sample 

 into four parts: (1) pure seed that from appearance you judge would 

 grow; (2) pure seed that from appearance you judge would not grow; (3) 

 weed seeds; (4) sticks, chaff', dirt, etc. 



Count the seeds in each division. Find what per cent each is of the 

 total number. A pound contains 454.5 grams. Calculate the number of 

 each kind of seeds in a bushel. 



Put the seeds in eacli of the above divisions into a moist chamber and 

 give them the germination test. Calculate the per cent of each division that 

 germinates. How does it compare with the mechanical separation? Cal- 

 culate what per cent the seeds germinating in classes (1) and (2) are of 

 the total number of seeds. If this seed sells in the market for $8.00 per 

 bushel, what is the actual price per bushel for pure and germinable seed? 



A written report is requested one week from the close of the experiment. 



Suggested Form for Report 



Name Date. 



Seeding Machinery. When grass is sown with grain, it is advisable 

 to have a grass-seed attachment on the grain drill. The grass seed is scat- 

 tered just ahead of the grain drill shoes or hoes, and is covered up be- 

 tween the rows of grain. It is well to follow with a roller to firm the 

 soil and bring moisture near the surface. For broadcasting the wheel- 

 barrow seeder is probably best, but good results are obtained by hand sow- 

 ing or using one of the small cyclone seeders of the Gaboon type. 



