MANAGEMENT OF PASTURES. 85 



Testing of Seeds. — When the grass mixture has been 

 decided on, the seed has to be bought. It will be observed 

 that the quantities given in the mixtures are based upon 

 average germination capacity as given in the third column 

 of Table II., p. 76. It is clear from this that the quantities 

 of seed used must be increased or diminished as the germina- 

 tion of the sample falls below or exceeds that stated in the 

 Table. Thus if one determines to use 20 pounds of average 

 Perennial Rye in a mixture and the germination of the 

 sample proves to be 90 per cent., then instead of 20 

 pounds only 18 pounds of seed are needed, while if the 

 germination of the sample proves to be 70 per cent, then 

 22 pounds of seed must be used. It is therefore necessary 

 to know the germination percentage of a sample before 

 determining the amount of seed to be sown, and of course the 

 same knowledge is necessary before determining on the 

 sample to be chosen when several samples of different prices 

 are submitted for purchase. This is quite obvious, and yet the 

 testing of seeds for germination capacity is very seldom done. 

 It is not that the trouble is too great, for few farmers would 

 grudge the small amount of time requisite to make so simple 

 a test, but because the buying of seed is usually put off 

 till the field is ready for sowing, and then there is no time 

 to test samples before placing the order. Certain of the 

 higher class of seed merchants in the Dominion, however, 

 are wiUing to certify to the germination capacity of the seeds 

 they sell, and this matter is obviously worth inquiring into. 

 If a merchant will not state the germination percentage 

 of the seed, it is probably not because the seed is extra- 

 ordinarily good. Ten per cent, difference in the germina- 

 tion of a seed means a difference of about one penny per 

 pound in the price of the clovers, and about 6d. per bushel 

 in the price of Rye Grass — a difference that no buyer is 

 wiUing to ignore. When it is stated that samples of certain 



