16 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 



animals assist in the wider distribution of nuts, acorns, and numer- 

 ous seeds. 



It would be easily possible to speak for an entire afternoon on the 

 fascinating subjects of seed distribution throughout the world; 

 sources of seed supplies, and quantities and values of seeds pro- 

 duced; but it is my purpose rather to discuss the somewhat more 

 limited, but more practical side of seed sowing itself. This may 

 seem to many to be a very simple task, but owing to the fact that 

 many seeds require quite long periods for germination, that many 

 are almost infinitesimal in size and need very careful sowing, and 

 that there are peculiarities in not a few varieties which demand 

 special treatment for them, the field of seed sowing is less narrow 

 than many might imagine. 



The great European war has seriously impaired the supply of 

 many seeds on which America has in the past depended; particu- 

 larly is this the case with flower seeds, but vegetables are likewise 

 affected. Blockades prevent more than a fractional part of our 

 average annual importations from arriving, embargoes by certain 

 of the belligerent nations prevent the exportations of certain varie- 

 ties, and as America is as yet unprepared to produce seeds of as 

 pure cjuality and moderate cost as many of those received from 

 Europe, there are likely to be acute shortages in certain varieties 

 this season, while the seeds will probably be less pure in quality 

 and there will be more errors in nomenclature. Purchasers of 

 seeds should remember these things, place their seed orders early 

 and be patient pending deliveries. 



We now produce in America an immense quantity of both flower 

 and vegetable seeds, and could no doubt profitably raise many more, 

 but not all that we need. The countries of the world will continue 

 to be more or less inter-dependent on each other for seeds as for 

 many other necessary commodities. Certain favorable soil and 

 climatic conditions are necessary for the successful production of 

 all seeds, and even we with our big country and ;tnuch diversified 

 climate cannot secure all of these vital requirements. 



The annual wastage in purchased seeds is tremendous ; particu- 

 larly is this the case with the large and increasing army of amateur 

 cultivators, who derive much pleasure while making their seed 

 selections during the winter months from the numerous attractive 

 catalogues and who invariably start their gardening with consider- 



