SEED CONTROL. 81 



exporters are required not only to equal the sample furnished in 

 purity and germination, but it must be up to a certain grade in 

 size. Foreigners recognize the fact, which our people have 

 scarcely begun to appreciate, that there is a great difference in 

 the value of seed wares, even in the matter of size alone, large 

 seed as a rule producing better plants. Seed selection, however, 

 is a great subject by itself and merits special attention at some 

 future time. 



Here I wish to reiterate and emphasize the statement made at 

 the outset, that in speaking today of the evils of the seed trade, 

 no matter what impression our remarks may leave, we have no 

 reference at all to the honorable dealer, by whom we mean the 

 seedsman who is not guilty of any of the fraudulent practices 

 mentioned herein. We leave to others judgment on the man who 

 sells bad seed through ignorance or carelessness, instead of intent, 

 recalling, however, the common principle that " ignorance is no 

 excuse." 



In conclusion we will state a few benefits of seed control, 

 among the many which might be given : 



1. Seed control would furnish reliable and non-partisan infor- 

 mation of the real worth of commercial seeds. 



2. The publicity given to the tests would act as a great incen- 

 tive to dealers to furnish only good seed. 



3. The honorable seedsman would be protected against the 

 dishonorable dealer with whom he is now obliged to compete. 



4. The farmer, gardener, and horticulturist could ascertain, 

 free of cost, or for a small amount, the value of seeds purchased 

 from dealers connected with the seed control. 



5. The impositions which are now frequently practised by 

 seedsmen upon the ignorance and credulity of their customers 

 would be greatly diminished. 



6. A universal and thorough system of seed control in America 

 would lessen in a great measure the importation of bad weed 

 seeds. 



7. The interest awakened among farmers and others in a 

 practical study of seeds, together with the knowledge upon the 

 subject disseminated by the stations, although a secondary bene- 

 fit, would be of immense value to American agriculture and 

 horticulture. 



