TESTING SEEDS. 



139 



TESTING SEEDS. 



When there is any doubt as to the vitality of seeds, 

 they should be given a test before sowing them or offer- 

 ing them for sale. 



In making the test, it is desirable to know what pro- 

 portion or percentage will germinate, as, if this proves 

 to be small, seed must be rejected or destroyed. The 

 usual rule is to make the test with 100 seeds taken from 

 the lot just as it runs, without picking out any that seem 

 defective. A record of all tests should be kept in a 

 book ruled and headed like the following illustration : 



The best method for testing is in earth on the benches 

 of a greenhouse if convenient; if not, then by sowing 

 the seed in shallow boxes of light soil in fine tilth placed 

 near the window of the room occupied. Before sow- 

 ing, water the soil thoroughly, cover seed lightly and 

 spray with a fine rose sprayer or Scollay sprinkler. 

 Seeds like asparagus, okra and parsley may be soaked 

 to advantage from 12 to 24 hours before test is made 

 in soil. 



A simple way to test seeds which germinate readity 

 is to place them between moistened layers of raw cot- 

 ton, flannel cloth, or thick blotting paper, which are 



