198 



SUGAR BEET SEED. 



average size, from a factory in Poland, collected in 

 1846; after an elapse of 37 days, one plant appeared 

 above ground, after five months there were ten. From 

 these experiments, it is concluded that seeds retain 

 their germinating power during a very long period, 

 but they require considerable time to waken from their 

 long torpor; even after two years, this tardy germi- 

 nating tendency is evident. On the other hand, Marek 

 has made a series of very important observations. 



From this table we realize how important it is not to 

 use seed over five years old, for after that age their 

 deterioration is rapid, notwithstanding several asser- 

 tions to the contrary mentioned elsewhere. 



Moisture. 



Without moisture, germination is impossible, 

 and with an excess there are other difficulties 

 to be dreaded; opinions very much differ as to the 

 advantage or disadvantage of having the moisture on 

 the surface or at some inches below. If the soil is per- 

 fectly dry, the seed remains dormant. On the other 

 hand, if there is a natural moisture, germination will 

 commence, and if there be a sudden change in weather, 

 there are dangers of a complete destruction of the 

 young plant during this embryonic development. 

 These difficulties may, in a measure, be overcome by a 

 preliminary preparation of the seed, in which case the 

 soil with natural moisture gives the best results. Even 



