THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 215 
obtained with each variety. The optimum temperature 
for germination of cabbage and lettuce is 55 degrees. 
During the day the temperature may be 70 degrees, 
that of the ordinary room, and at night it may go as 
low as 45 degrees. The optimum temperature for the 
germination of tomato and pepper plants is 75 degrees. 
This may go as low as 60 or as high as 90 degrees. 
Fig. 118. A Seed Germinator 
Air and moisture. Soil that is in good condition for 
germinating seeds contains about one sixth air and one 
sixth water. The composition of soil should be such that 
it will retain the necessary amount of moisture, but it must 
be well drained ; otherwise the spaces between the small 
particles of which the soil is composed will be filled with 
water, and so prevent a sufficient supply of air from 
reaching the seeds and roots. 
