STARTING PLANTS 135 
cessive sowings at short intervals, is not likely to be dis: 
appointed in the seed not germinating. This matter, 
however, should not be overlooked. Germination tests, 
made in advance of the usual dates for sowing, may be 
the means of avoiding loss and disappointment. Very 
little time is required to make such tests, and the results 
may much more than compensate for the slight expense. 
The term “high quality” as applied to seeds has a much 
broader meaning than the mere matter of germination. 
It relates primarily to the quality of the crop produced 
from tne seed selected and planted. Unfortunately, many 
greenhouse men do not seem to fully appreciate the value 
of high-grade seeds. They fail to grasp the fact that 
planting the best seed may materially increase their 
profits. Chances are taken, year after year, in using seed 
of unknown quality, until they discover, accidentally, 
perhaps, that the superior quality of the produce sold by 
their competitors is largely due to the planting of better 
seed. 
We should bear in mind that greenhouse space is 
precious, that the area with its glass roof and artificial 
heat is worth many times an area of equal size in the 
open. It is folly ever to use seed that we do not know 
will produce satisfactory crops. 
Fig. 42.—Nursery in large range near Boston. Head lettuce plants. 
