SEEDS AND SEED GROWING 95 



seed than for that grown by contract, the method under 

 which the bulk of garden seeds is grown. In the contract 

 method, when a house needs a certain quantity of seed, 

 say Jersey Wakefield cabbage, a contract is made with a 

 grower who produces seed of this variety, and who may 

 also furnish seed to many othes houses. As this grower 

 probably owns very little land, it is impossible for him to 

 grow all of his seed, and, therefore, he must contract 

 with a large number of other gardeners or farmers to 

 grow the supply for him. 



In the management of seed growing by contract, vari- 

 ous methods are employed. In many instances stock 

 seed is furnished to the grower by the seed house or by 

 the man with whom the grower has contracted. This 

 stock seed is supposed to be carefully bred and grown 

 under the direct management of experts. In the produc- 

 tion of high-grade seed, one of the most important fac- 

 tors is furnishing the best stock seed to the grower. The 

 stock seed is sometimes furnished free to the grower, but 

 the usual practice is to make a charge, which may be 

 paid when the seed is obtained before planting, or it may 

 be deducted from the value of the seeds grown. 



Many intelligent and reliable growers do not depend 

 upon a middle dealer or a grow r er, or upon a seed house, 

 for their stock seed. They have established a reputation 

 for well-bred seeds, and can often demand higher prices 

 than growers who are furnished stock seed. 



The greater part of the seeds sold in the United States 

 is grown in this country, although there are many 

 exceptions. The chapter on the culture of the various 

 classes of vegetables gives additional information upon 

 this subject. 



Seeds are grown on an extensive scale where natural 

 conditions are most favorable ; soil, climate and the cost 

 of labor are all important factors. Many crops, as the 

 cauliflower, cabbage and pea, thrive best in a cool climate 



