SEED SOURCES IN AMERICA 15 



Seed Selection. — In deciding just what seeds to save some at- 

 tention must be given to the points desired in the crops. With 

 many varieties of corn, tomatoes, beans, peas, and others, earline'ss 

 is very desirable. Mark those plants which mature the crop in 

 least time and save seed from those. Other qualities in tomatoes 

 are proportion of flesh to seed pulp, smoothness of surface, color of 

 fruits, and resistance to disease. 



In all crops choose seeds from the best and the next crop will be 

 much improved. 



Securing the Seed Crop. — When the gardener has decided what 

 specimens are best for seeds he may mark them by tying strips of 

 white cloth to the stems where they are growing. If the fruits are 

 pulpy, as in the case of tomatoes, watermelons, squash, cucumber 

 and others, the seeds may be easily washed from the pulp in a pan 

 of water. The use of a sieve or strainer will help. When clean, 

 spread the seeds out on papers in a sunny place until dry. Then 

 put them into envelopes or pockets of folded paper. Properly label 

 each lot and make such memoranda notes as desired. 



Dry seeds, such as corn, radish, lettuce, onions, and others may 

 be put into their envelopes right from the garden. 



Storing Seeds. — Suitable places for storing seeds may be found 

 in every home. They must be sealed in envelopes or boxes or these 

 containers may be put into cans or jars with tightly fitting covers. 

 This will keep out weevils, moths and mice. 



They should be stored in a very dry place. Near a chimney in 

 the attic may be best. After all surplus moisture has dried away, 

 freezing does not hurt them. 



Infested with Pests. — When seeds or stored products become 

 infested with weevils, moths, or similar pests, they should be treated 

 very early with carbon bisulfid. Put the seeds into a vessel that 

 can be tightly closed. Set a small open dish containing the 

 liquid in the top of the seed chamber and close it quickly. Use one 

 teaspoonful to a space of two gallons or less. Or use one pint to 

 about one thousand cubic feet. Keep the container closed for sev- 

 eral hours, say over night. The liquid evaporates and penetrates 

 all the space, killing every living insect. The eggs may hatch after- 

 ward and a second treatment may be necessary. This may be 

 done about two weeks later. Have no flame near when the treat- 

 ment is started, as the carbon bisulfid is very inflammable. 



Seed Sources in America. — Many of the vegetable seeds of the 

 temperate zone are grown under contract on farms in regions where 



