124 FARM-GARDENING AND SEED-GROWING. 



summer to good advantage, in the manner here given, pro- 

 vided they can be put out early, before the first of Sep- 

 tember, to insure a strong growth before winter. 



They will stand the winter without protection, the seed 

 will be produced earlier than by spring planting, and the 

 time can be better spared than at the latter season. When 

 the seed is ripe, which may be known by the upper part 

 of the stalks together with the seed-pods becoming yellow, 

 and a portion of the latter bursting open, the heads must 

 be cut, placed in barrels, carried to the loft, and spread 

 thin. When thoroughly dry, they may be thrashed and 

 passed through the fan-mill. 



By repeating this several times the most of the seed 

 will be clean, but there will still remain a part mixed with 

 such pods as have become hard, which can only be sepa- 

 rated by washing. This is done by placing a quantity 

 into a tub of water, stirring a few moments, and gently 

 pouring the water off. This will remove all pods and 

 light seed, and the heavy seed which remains in the 

 bottom must be spread on boards to dry. The whole 

 crop may be washed in this manner, after twice running 

 through the fan-mill, if deemed advisable, as it will not 

 be injured by the process, provided a clear bright day is 

 selected for the purpose, and the seed for some lime after 

 spread thin in a loft. It must not be put in bulk until 

 thoroughly dry. 



The final cleaning may be accomplished by No. 14 sieve. 

 The seed can not be depended on to germinate after one 

 year, though a part will grow at two years old when well 

 kept. 



VARIETIES. 



Large Red Wether Sfield, This is the variety princi- 

 pally grown from seed. Bulb round and broad, flattened at 

 the top ; skin deep red. 



