CHAPTER IX. 

 Preparing the Seed before Sowing 



Seeds in their normal state fall to the ground after 

 a reasonable time subsequent to maturity. They remain 

 in a sort of dormant state; having outlived the varia- 

 tions of the weather, they give signs of life as soon as 

 the favorable season returns. If we compare these seeds 

 with those gathered and dried, the time needed for their 

 germination in soil would necessarily be greater; the 

 interval allows weeds, insects, etc., to take advantage of 

 the circumstance. Hence, the importance, in most 

 cases, of artificial means to stimulate the growth. As 

 the exterior coating of the seed is frequently hard, some 

 recommend a rolling between boards, which not only 

 separates the seed, but allows the natural moisture of 

 the soil to more thoroughly assist the embryo in its 

 development. Practical experiments show that loo 

 seeds that have been rubbed on a board by simple hand 

 pressure gave 230 germs, while those planted without 

 having been thus prepared gave only 200 germs. Sub- 

 mitting seed for twelve hours to an air bath of 40 to 

 50 degrees C. had about the same effect as friction. 



A certain amount of moisture is necessary, and if 

 tliis can be given to the seed before sowing it will be 

 that much time gained. If seeds are left for too 

 long a period in water, much harjn will follow, as the 

 essentials for development during plant growth would 

 be dissolved. Furthermore, there is also danger of 

 very great evaporation when sown in dry soils, which 

 soon absorb the moisture from the seed and after first 

 sprouting, during a period of drouth, the embryo per- 

 ishes. Special stress must, liowever, be given to the 



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