138 Gardening 
Fic. 82. A germination test of corn and beans. The seed planted in the left 
half of the box is good; that planted in the right half is poor. 
muskmelon, watermelon, okra, radish, pumpkin, squash, 
spinach, and turnip. 
Up to ro years — cucumber and endive. 
Seeds of parsnip, parsley, and celery are always rather 
poor in viability, and only 60 to 75 per cent of the seed 
will germinate. 
As a rule not every seed in a given lot will germinate, 
but at least 70 per cent should do so if the seed is in good 
condition. ‘Beans, peas, corn, radishes, and tomatoes 
often germinate 95 per cent or more. If less than 70 
per cent germinates, some of the plants that do appear 
are likely to be weak. 
Test for germination. One cannot tell for certain 
from the appearance of seeds whether they will germinate 
ornot. Itis therefore a good plan to test the viability of 
seeds, especially if they are known to be more than one 
