1476 Tur VecerasLe Inpustry 1n New Yor« State 
are equally light crop producers. Furthermore, not all the seed 
produced on a plant is equally good ; that which is produced on the 
tips is usually small and of low vitality, and those that do grow 
produce weak plants. 
All small and weak seeds should be rejected. This can be done 
by first floating off in water, at the time of saving the seeds, all 
that will float. The one who is saving the seeds must add water 
to separate the skins and pulp from the seeds after having crushed 
the berries. The berries should not be gathered until they have 
had some freezing; this softens them and makes the work much 
easier. Several washings will be needed to clean them perfectly. 
Let all seeds that do not sink readily run off with the water. 
When washed clean, spread out thinly to dry. When quite dry 
run through a windmill in which is placed the lower screen, with 
mesh just large enough to sereen out all small seeds and allow 
the balance to pass over and out in the usual way. By turning the 
erank on the windmill at just the right speed any light seeds that 
escaped elimination by the water test can be blown out with the 
mild current. We then have the very best seed that can be pro- 
cured without special breeding. 
GROWING THE YOUNG PLANTS 
The seed of the asparagus is very hard as well as very hardy. 
It requires a long time to germinate, hence should be planted 
as early as the soil can be worked and gotten into good condition. 
The plants can be grown on almost any kind of soil, but preferably 
not too heavy. Select a site near the buildings where poultry can 
run through it; they will keep the young plants free from the 
beetles. 
After deciding where the seed bed is to be made the next requi- 
site to success is the preparation, fertilization, and care of the 
young seedling plants. Remember first, that the asparagus plant 
is a very heavy feeder; second, that we are to grow a strong, vig- 
orous root, as large as is commonly sold commercially at two 
years’ of age, and do it in one season. In order to do that feed and 
care must not be neglected, therefore liberally apply yard or stable 
manure broadcast over the entire area where seeds are to be sown, 
before plowing. Plow and prepare as for other crops; mark off 
