jg N. h. experiment station [Bulletin 193 



SUMMARY. 



As previously noted only 388, or 48 per cent, of the total num- 

 ber of samples collected by the inspectors were guaranteed as to 

 purity and germination. Last year 58.5 per cent of the samples 

 were guaranteed, while two years ago 84 per cent were guaranteed. 

 These figures indicate an increasing tendency on the part of certain 

 seed dealers to ignore the law. 



Of the samples which were guaranteed for purity, 90 per cent 

 were found to be up to or above the guarantee ; while of those which 

 were guaranteed for germination only 67 per cent were found to 

 be up to or above the guarantee. Last year the same percentages 

 were 95 and 63 respectively. 



With the exception of alsike, red clover and timothy, all the 

 various classes of seeds tested this year average slightly below the 

 "standard" as regards purity. In the matter of germination all 

 classes averaged up to the "standard" except alfalfa, buckwheat, 

 millet, red clover, and white clover. 



It should be noted that a few very poor lots of seed were found 

 on the market this spring. One lot of red clover, guaranteed 80%, 

 tested only 3.5%, while another guaranteed 95%, tested only 6%. 

 Some of the millets were also low in germination ; one sample guar- 

 anteed 90%, tested only 41.5%. Likewise a lot of timothy guaran- 

 teed 95%, tested only 40%, and a lot of white clover, guaranteed 

 93%, tested only 22.5%. 



The most reasonable explanation for these low testing seeds is 

 that they were old and had been carried over for one or more years. 

 In case seeds are carried over, the dealers, for their own protection, 

 should have a new germination test made instead of relying upon 

 the test upon which the seeds were originally purchased. Every 

 dealer should have a sense of pride in selling only seeds which are 

 up to their guarantee, and the farmer who is buying these seeds 

 and paying the present high prices for them has a right to expect 

 that his seeds are just as good as they are represented to be. 



It would be "good business" for a seed dealer to advertise that he 

 is selling only the best seeds obtainable; that he guarantees their 

 purity and germination and that he stands ready to stand behind 

 his guarantee. He should take pride in displaying the guarantees 

 in plain bold terms in a conspicuous place instead of in small faint 

 figures on the back side of the bag or other container where nobody 

 sees them. Large posters or placards- like the following, would 

 bring trade: 



