84 THE SEED-GROWER. 
SPINACH. 
For a seed crop the soil can hardly be too rich. 
Sowing should be made in autumn; about the middle 
of September in latitude 40 degrees; drill seed in 
rows two feet apart, thinning to six inches in the row. 
It stands the winter without protection. To prevent 
mixture, no two varieties should be planted near to- 
gether. 
In spring, loosen the soil, cultivate and keep free 
from weeds. Rogue carefully, pulling up all plants 
which show a departure from the variety. 
When bulk of seed is ripe, cut the stalks with a 
scythe or with a mowing machine, throwing them into 
rows, or forking into piles. Leave in the field for a 
few days to dry before hauling to the barn or drying 
house. Seed should be allowed to become thoroughly 
dry before threshing, which may be done either with a 
flail or the threshing machine. 
Clean by running twice through the fan mill; as seed 
forms in clusters, it may be necessary to hand-rub. 
Let remain spread out on a cloth after cleaning for 
complete drying before storing. 
Market.—Many hundreds of thousands of pounds 
of spinach seed are sold yearly by the combined Amer- 
ican seed trade, this vegetable being grown extensively 
as a field crop for market. Seed is nearly all imported 
from Europe, but as has been said of other varieties, 
it could all be grown to advantage in this country. 
New York, Pennsylvania and some few other States 
produce seed equal to best European stocks. 
In a good season, a yield wili be 1,000 to 1,500 
pounds per acre. European seed is laid down in New 
York, duty included, at five to six cents per pound. 
