38 A MANUAL OF FARM GRASSES 



conditions. But much grass seed as sold on the market 

 may show a viabiHty of very much less than lOO per 

 cent, sometimes not over 50 per cent, while in poor 

 grades it may be reduced to zero. 



If seed has nothing wrong with it except its low via- 

 bility, no great harm may ensue. There is the loss due 

 to paying more for the seed than it is worth and the dis- 

 appointment arising from a poor stand. Much more 

 serious is the adulteration with poor and cheap varieties 

 or the presence of weed seeds. Not only is there less 

 good seed but there is the danger of establishing perni- 

 cious weeds difficult to eradicate. 



The quality of the seed may be reduced by the presence 

 of foreign seed (seed other than the kind purchased) 

 some of which may be pestiferous, or by presence of 

 inert matter such as dirt, chaff, or old seed. It is evi- 

 dently to the advantage of the grower if he be able to 

 test his seed and determine for himself if it be of good 

 quality both as to germinating power (viability) and 

 purity — that is freedom from weed seeds and chafT. 

 The farmer can always obtain information as to the 

 quality of his seed by sending a sample of it to the 

 director of his State Experiment Station or to the Seed 

 Laboratory of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. 



The farmer can determine for himself the viability of 

 his seed. He can also determine the purity, though it 

 requires expert knowledge to identify the particular kind 

 of foreign seed that may be present. 



To determine the purity it is only necessary to examine 

 a sample with care. Spread it out on a piece of white 

 paper and separate all dirt, chaff, or withered seed and 



