SEED CONTROL. 83 



seedsman is to sell seed of the best qualit}'. If seedsmen knew 

 that their seeds Avould be tested and advertised it would tend 

 towards purity. 



Hon. James J. H. Gregory spoke of the risks and cares of the 

 seed business, and the Avrong impression often drawn by the 

 planters, who frequently accuse the seed-grower unjustly for 

 fiiilure caused by their own mistakes. First-class seedsmen have 

 to, and do, both as a matter of conscience and business wisdom, 

 destroy a great quantity of seed on account of Ioav vitalit}^ ; 

 seeds are not like grain, and are never graded ; if they were, they 

 might be sold at lower prices. Onion seed some years is as high 

 as ninety -five per cent in germination ; other years seed of the 

 same varieties, though quite new, is very poor in germinating 

 quality. Old seeds will sometimes push out a root, and go no 

 further. Tests under cover are not like tests outside. We want 

 to encourage public sentiment for good seed. The many risks 

 incidental to the business all show the advantage of seedsmen 

 growing the seed they sell. We cannot believe that seedsmen, 

 as a rule, sell worthless seed. 



Varnum Frost thought a great deal depended on the persons 

 sowing the seeds. The nature of the seeds must be known, and 

 the conditions should be favorable for seed to germinate. Seeds 

 of Cucurbitaceous plants, such as the melon, squash, and cucum- 

 ber, require different soil temperatures and degrees of moisture 

 from those needed by dandelions, lettuce, peas, celery, and beets ; 

 the latter class do better in lower temperatures with more 

 moisture. Weather conditions contribute more to the germina- 

 tion of seed than anything else. In conclusion, after fifty years' 

 experience he said he would not dare to sell seed which he had 

 grown himself under the best conditions, to persons who do not 

 understand the requirements of each kind of seed, if he had to 

 guarantee them. Under no circumstances could a man do busi- 

 ness on this plan. 



Mr. Hicks made a point that a great deal depends on the 

 methods of sowing. Testing, however, should not be left 

 entirely to the farmer or to the seedsman. Trained and efficient 

 persons connected with a station thoroughly ec^uipped for the 

 purpose, should conduct impartial tests in the laboratory, in the 

 greenhouse, and outdoors. Some kinds of seed will not germinate 

 well in cloth. June grass comes up best in the soil. 



