8 Sate anp IntRopucTION oF ImpuRE aND INFESTED SEED. 
In regard to the germination of the seeds, great variation is shown, even 
in carefully prepared and ripened samples. A very good sample of any 
of the more minute seeds may not show a germination percentage of more 
than 50 per cent., owing to the large number of infertile seeds. This is 
especially the case with the small seeds of most Eucalypti and other 
Myrtacez, as well as many Scrophulariacee, Solanacew, &c. Even careful 
fanning and sifting will not always fully separate the light, infertile seeds 
from the ripe and heavier fertile ones. No hardship to the seedsman and 
a great convenience to the agriculturalist would. be created if it were en- 
acted, on pain of penalty, that all seed sold without warranty must have 
a germination value of over go per cent. for cereals, lucerne, clover, and 
all legumes, and over 85 for grasses and seeds generally,* and if below that 
value the sellet must notify in writing with the seed whether the per- 
centage germination is over 75 per cent., over 50 per cent., over 25 per 
cent., or over 10 per cent. To avoid unnecessary interference, small quan- 
tities of seeds made up directly to the order of the purchaser could be ex- 
empted, say, 1 oz. or less of seeds not exceeding 4 inch, 2 oz. under } inch, 
in any dimension, and 4 oz. under }$ inch, and 8 oz. of all larger seeds. 
To insist upon the age of the seed being given would be quite unnecessary 
and impossible to enforce, since, while the germination power of some 
seeds rapidly decreases after they have ripened, that of others is main- 
tained almost unimpaired for several years. 
The adoption of the regulation as to germination power would involve 
the establishment of a seed-testing branch in connection with the Agricul- 
tural Department, where samples of seed could be tested either free or at 
a nominal cost, and certificates of germination power given. A branch of 
this kind could be run in connexion with the Botanic Gardens, or at the 
University, and with great advantage to seedsmen and the public., The 
former are often unjustly accused by the public of selling inferior seed, 
simply because the purchaser does not understand how to raise the seed 
in question, or plants it in improperly prepared ground, or at an unsuitable 
ime. On the other hand, as in the United States, enormous quan- 
tities of bad, foul, or adulterated seed, especially agricultural, are sold in 
this country, and this seed is of internal as well as of external origin. 
The purity of a sample of seed is quite as important a factor as its 
germination power. There can be no doubt that the time has come to pro- 
hibit the sale of material containing thé seeds of proclaimed weeds, or of 
parasitic plants, such as Dodder, the penalty inflicted being proportionate 
to the impurity of the seeds and the quantity sold. It might at the same 
time be made an offence to sell any seed containing 5 per cent. or more in 
number of any other seed present as an impurity, or containing 1 per 1,000 
or more in number of any plant listed as a troublesome or injurious weed. 
Absolute prohibition, coupled with a deterrent penalty, is, however, the 
only remedy for the sale of seed fouled with that of proclaimed and 
parasitic plants. One Dodder seed per roo of clover is, for instance, 
sufficient to destroy a whole crop, and even 1 per 1,000 is sufficient to 
sc badly infect a field as to render it advisable to immediately plough 
in or to burn off all infected patches of the whole crop with saw- 
dust, shavings, or dead leaves and kerosene, since otherwise the land 
may be infected with seed for several years. Many of our proclaimed 
plants have been spread throughout the State, not so much by wind or 
animals, as is usually supposed, but to a far greater extent by the sale of 
* It would be best.'however, to Jeave the percentage to be specified by the Departmental regulationg, 
since while Rye Grass should be over 90 per cent., Meadow Grass is rarely over 75 per cent., however good 
the sample may be. 
