374 FIELD CROP PRODUCTION 



various grasses and legumes are discussed in the chapters 

 relating to them and may be consulted in making selections 

 of mixtures for hay or pasture. 



400. Testing the seed. The securing of a successful 

 stand of grasses and legumes depends largely upon the 

 quality of the seed used in the seeding. Seeds of the 

 grasses and legumes are comparatively expensive, and 



FIG. 129. Examining seeds for purity. 



failure to secure a stand results not only in the loss of the 

 value of the seed, and also perhaps in the loss of the use 

 of the land for some time, but frequently breaks up the 

 regular rotation. It is therefore important that only 

 good seed be purchased. Another factor to consider in the 

 purchase of grass and legume seed is its purity. Fre- 

 quently seeds of other grasses or weed seeds are found in 

 commercial grass and legume seeds. Few farmers de- 



