408 Seeds and Seedage 



broken and the moisture does not rise to the seeds. Or, 

 if it does rise, the seeds are not in intimate contact with 

 the particles of earth and do not receive much of the soil 

 moisture; moreover, the air held in the large interstices 

 tends to dry out the seed. To a large extent, a continuous 

 and uniform supply of moisture is a regulator of tempera- 

 ture. It is therefore apparent why a finely divided and 

 compact soil is the proper medium in which to sow seeds. 

 Whenever the soil is likely to become drier rather than 

 moister, as at the usual germinating season, it is important 

 to firm the earth over the seeds. In large field operations, 

 as in the sowing of the cereal grains, the roller is ordi- 

 narily used. Under market-gardening conditions, the soil 

 is usually compacted by a roller which is a part of the 

 seed-drill and which follows just behind the delivery spout. 

 When seeds are sown from the hand, the soil is compacted 

 with a hoe or by walking over the row. Since this com- 

 pacting of the surface establishes capillary connection with 

 the under soil, thereby drawing up the water and passing 

 it into the atmosphere, it is important that this condition 

 be allowed to remain only until the seeds have germinated 

 and are able to shift for themselves. Therefore, as soon as 

 possible restore the surface mulch by rake or smoothing- 

 harrow (pages 394-5). 



Particulars in seed-sowing. 



Seeds that are planted very deep, as peas, may have the 

 earth compacted about them, and the surface layer may 

 be loosened immediately thereafter, thereby preventing, to 

 some extent, the escape of the soil moisture. The space 

 between the rows should be kept well tilled, even before 



