60 



SOILS AND PLANT LIFE 



Mr. Duvel ^summarized his careful work in twenty- 

 seven statements. Six of these are as follows, important 

 words being here put in italics : 



" A seed is a living organism, and must be dealt with as 

 such if good results are expected when put under favorable 

 conditions for germination." 



" The first factors determining the vitality of a seed are 

 maturity, weather conditions at the time of harvesting, and 

 methods of harvesting and curing." 



" Seed harvested in damp, rainy weather is much weaker 

 in vitality than seed harvested under more favorable 

 conditions. Likewise, seed once injured will never regain 

 its full vigor." 



