THE SEED BUSINESS FROM THE DEALERS’ 
STANDPOINT 
H. W. Gorprnter, Troy, N. Y. 
Here we picture the seed business 
which, in at least one respect, is the most 
unique in the world. I refer to the non- 
warranty with which every reliable seeds- 
man sells his stock. It is a fact that we 
cannot buy a pound of seed, a ton of seed, 
a bushel of seed, a pint of seed, from any 
reliable seedsman that does not contain the 
following statement, either on the package 
or in the bag: ‘* John Doe & Co., gives no 
warranty, express or implied, as to de- 
scription, quality, productiveness or any other matter, of any 
seeds they sell. They will not be in any way responsible for the 
crop. If the purchaser does not accept the seed on these terms it 
is to be returned at once.” 
With almost anything else we buy we can tell something of 
the quality of the goods, and that about which we do not know 
the salesman will give us a guarantee. However, the seedsman 
will guarantee nothing. Therefore, it is apparent that the seed 
business is one in which the good reputation of the seedsman 
counts for much — very much. Indeed, it is his stock in trade. 
WHERE THE SEED COMES FROM 
With the exception of peas, beans, corn, lettuce, onions and 
the vine seeds, from 50 to 75 per cent. of the best vegetable seed 
comes from Europe. From Denmark we get our cauliflower and 
varieties of selected cabbage. From Germany we get choice 
stocks of flower seeds and selected beets, mangels, vetches and 
rapes. Indeed, we get at least 50: per cent. of our flower seed from 
Germany, with the exception of sweet peas which are grown in 
California on about 3,000 acres. From France we get seed of 
the finest root crops, such as carrots, parsnips and radishes, and 
[1310] 
