117 



where the cutting method is in general use), is a process much too cumhersome as to be 

 employed for all the fruits of the second category. 



I am unfortunately unable to propose a better process, than the so-called "Continental 

 method" ; I must, however, again point out, that the results obtained are not at all of like 

 equivalence, for instance the result which we obtain in the case of French Eaygrass does 

 not signify the same as that which we obtain in the case of hamp-seed, where the empty 

 seeds which get into the germinating bed diminish the percentage of germination, whereas 

 in the case of the Raygrass we removed the empty seeds beforehand. 



We have made numerous experiments at the Budapest Station for the purpose of 

 separating out the empty seeds by floating the seeds in different liquids. But all fluids 

 which separate with certainty the empty seeds from the fuU ones (for instance Sulphuric 

 Aether) are inapplicable in practice, as they have an injurious chemical effect on the seeds 

 themselves. 



In my opinion therefore, in the absence of a better, the Continental or Counting 

 Method should be accepted, at the same time taking into account, that the results are 

 not of equal value. 



2. With reference to the proposition n, I should like to point out, that contrary 

 to the probability, that more reliable results are to be obtained with 4 x 100 or 6 X 100 

 seeds, it depends, in reality, on what method is employed in the Station under consideration. 



In our germination experiments with 4 x 100 or 6 x 100 seeds we have obtained in 

 the. greater number of experiments worse results, than when we employed our usual method, 

 which consists in germinating 2 X 100 seeds. ^ 



I believe that the cause of this paradoxical result is to he found in the circumstance; 

 that everything which disturbs the method practised through long years by the manipulating 

 staff, is detrimental to the result. 



In germination experiments long practice which leads to a certain perfection, plays 

 the most important role. 



Although long practice is liable to produce systematic errors, these errors are yet 

 not so serious as those, which arise from want of practice. 



3. With reference to proposition HI, I will remark, that the 100 grain weight without 

 examination for moisture-contents has no real purpose, and this is confirmed by the great 

 discrepancies in the results, presented by the Copenhagen-Station. Also I am of opinion, 

 that the 100 grain weight determination is not at all necessary for all seeds. 



4. With regard to proposition VI, I will observe,, that at the Budapest-Station and 

 at many others, all procedures, also soaking, are used, which are suitable for accelerating 

 the germinating process. I see no reason, why such procedures should not be ejmployed. 



5. With reference to proposition VII, I observe, that the Budapest-Station and also 

 the Vienna-Station reckon all the hard seeds, which are almost all sure to be capable of 

 germination, among the germinating seeds, and enters in a separate column the percentage 

 of hard seeds. Through the addition of the hard seeds to the germinating seeds disappear, 

 so to speak, at one blow all the differences which appear in the results obtained at the 

 different stations. On the other hand, however, the buyer is adequately protected by the 

 indication of the percentage of hard seeds." 



Mr. Anderson asked whether the conference in relegating certain 

 matters to committees, intended to make rules for determining the purity 

 and germinating power of each species of seed. 



Professor Dr. A, Voigt: "Yes, eventually". 



Mr. Saunders approved Professor Voigt's memorandum. We should 

 learn to walk before beginning to run. Detail should be avoided at first. 

 All are agreed that these are merely suggestions, not rules. The wording 

 should be discussed, in regard to 



