8KEDS AND SOWING. IGl 



Humboldt and others have proven, that the latter greatly 

 accelerates the germination of the seed that has been 

 macerated in water for several hours. Even with old 

 seed the principle holds good. Frequently 5 to 10. per 

 cent, of nitrate of potassa is added to the water. Mr. 

 Walkhoff says that with phosphate of ammonia 71 per 

 cent, of the seed come above ground in seven days. 

 Then, again, saltpetre has given more striking results 

 than any of the above. Besides oxalic acid, phenic 

 acid, arsenate of potassa, sulphate of zinc, nitrate of 

 soda, etc. etc., have been experimented with. We can 

 only say to this that even if any of the above had 

 given extraordinary results, the practical application of 

 the same would have been impossible, as farmers as a 

 general thing do not care to be troubled with chemicals 

 of any description, and we consider without doubt that 

 the solutions of equal volumes of water and urine, and 

 the maceration with the same should last for a period 

 of 24 to 48 hours, as mentioned above, the seeds then 

 rolled in a small quantity of plaster, to which are added 

 a few drops of mineral oil, which keep the insects at a 

 distance. It is not desirable to have a too rapid gi'owth, 

 as much harm is liable to be done by a sudden change 

 in the weather, and for that reason the farmers with 

 whom we have talked in Belgium are not willing to 

 adopt any artificial means, but content themselves by 

 sowing some days previous to what they would have 

 otherwise done. 



The next difficulty is to know when is the best time 



