PLANTING 87 



the fast-growing radishes skirmish ahead and break the way 

 for the more delicate, deliberate carrot seeds. Having served 

 their altruistic purpose, the radish seedlings are weeded out. 

 Spare no pains to secure first-rate seeds. The wise farmer 

 puts his trust in the best houses and does not get disap- 

 pointed. He is not to be caught taking chances at the gro- 

 cery store. Seeds bought at such places are often old and poor, 



SOUTH CAROLINA BOYS MAKING SEED SELECTIONS 



and the proportion of seeds that germinate has been known 

 to fall as low as sixty per cent or even less. Nowadays, school 

 children in cities can usually obtain good seed in penny pack- 

 ages through educational centers. Fresh seed is generally easy 

 to recognize by its bright, new surface. Peas are an exception ; 

 even in their best days they may look aged and wrinkled. 



It is part of a gardener's business to know how to test his 

 seeds. There are elaborate methods which may be recom- 

 mended, but simple rules will answer most purposes. Any 



