74 MASSACHUSETTS HOKTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 



dealer cannot dispute the result of the test. Of the smaller seeds, 

 as radish, rape, clover, grasses, etc., at least one-half an ounce 

 must be sent in, and in the case of larger seeds, as peas, beans, 

 cereals, maize, etc., from a quarter to half a pound. The results 

 of the tests are printed in the official journal of the station, 

 which also publishes equitable standards of purit}^ and gerjnina- 

 tion, so that the people may know Avhether the guarantee of seeds 

 offered to them is of a sufficiently high per cent. 



Seed dealers or producers can have the purity and germinative 

 ability of their seeds examined for one or two dollars, according 

 to the size of the seed. Special arrangements are made with 

 parties not members of the Dresden Agricultural Society. 



The prices for seed testing vary according to the labor required 

 and the country in Avhich the test is made. A few of the stations 

 are self-supporting, but most of them receive grants from the 

 State to aid in carrying on the work. In many cases so-called 

 " Control firms " are regular patrons of the stations. They pay 

 a certain annual amount for having tests made. To their cus- 

 tomers they furnish a guarantee for genuineness, purity, and 

 gei'minating capacity based upon, but not necessarily equal to, 

 the test made by the station for them, — the "preliminary test," 

 as it is called. 



Immediately upon receipt of the seed, the customer can send 

 a sample to the Control Station if desired, and have it tested at 

 a reduction of from one-third to two-thirds from prices charged 

 the dealer, or, in some cases, Avithout expense. This is called 

 the "supplementary test." 



The firm binds itself in case its seed falls 5 per cent or more 

 beloAv the germination per cent guaranteed, either to refund the 

 money ^^ro rata or to replace the goods, paying transportation 

 both Avays. 



In supplementary tests made for members of the East-Prussian 

 Agricultural Societ}^, if more than 2 per cent of foreign matter 

 occurs above the guarantee, or 10 dodder seeds per kilogram 

 (about 4J seeds per pound), the dealer agrees to take back the 

 goods, paying charges both ways, or, at the option of the buyer, 

 to refund from 5 to 10 per cent of the cost for ever}- o to 10 seeds 

 of dodder per pound. 



Certain conditions exist relating to the amount of seed one 

 must purchase to entitle him to free tests; also to the manner of 



