The Seed in Plant Production 



391 



creased moisture-content. The following table gives a 

 record of vitality as related to precipitation and tempera- 

 ture at the seven points in the United States where the 

 thirteen kinds of seed were stored : 



In general, it would seem that a further drying out of 

 thoroughly matured seeds may enhance the keeping ca- 

 pacity. Moreover, such mature seeds keep well at high 

 temperatures. Immature seeds, or those which may not 

 be thoroughly dried out, keep best in a cool, dry situation. 

 When moisture is present, it would seem that respiration 

 is rapid and may be regarded as an important factor in 

 reducing vitality. Under ordinary conditions " the life 

 of a seed is undoubtedly dependent on many factors, 

 but the one important factor governing the longevity of 

 good seed is dryness." 



232. Buried seed. Duvel, Beal, and others have 

 shown that, in general, seeds which are buried deeply 

 maintain their vitality for a long period. An instance 



