SEED 249 



tillering that is, the production of several 

 stems by one plant is most associated with 

 fertile soil. Then, again, the variety is not 

 without influence upon the quantity of seed 

 required. Some varieties of cereal tiller 

 more than others, and consequently less 

 seed may be used in their case. Speaking 

 generally, it is found that while many of 

 the new varieties of oats give a large yield, 

 they show no great disposition to tiller, and, 

 therefore, must be sowed 20-50 per cent, 

 more thickly. Again, one would sow more 

 thickly in a poor than in a good climate, 

 because in the former the individual plants 

 are less vigorous, and there is a greater 

 percentage of loss amongst the seedlings in 

 their earlier stages of growth. One finds, 

 for instance, that in the more backward 

 districts of Scotland oats are generally sowed 

 at the rate of 6-8 bushels an acre, whereas 

 in the best parts of that country, and 

 throughout England generally, 3-4 bushels 

 is considered a full seeding. Needless to 

 say that the size and quality of the seed 

 should be taken into account. In the case 

 of oats, for instance, many of the newer 

 varieties are distinguished by very large 

 grain, and consequently there is a smaller 

 number of grains in a bushel, than is the 



