THE SEED : ITS SELECTION AND DISTRIBUTION 61 



" Experiments have shown that moisture is the chief 

 factor in determining the longevity of seeds as they are 

 commercially handled. Seeds stored in dry climates 

 retain their vitality much better than those stored in 

 places having a humid atmosphere." 



" Seeds that are to be sent to countries having moist 

 climates should be put up in air-tight packages. Experi- 

 ments have shown that by the judicious use of bottles 

 and paraffined packages, seeds can be preserved practically 

 as well in one climate as in another." 



" The life of a seed is undoubtedly dependent on many 

 factors, but the one important factor governing the longev- 

 ity of good seed is dryness." 



The application of these principles of seed storage will 

 be considered under our lessons on the different crops. 



QUESTIONS 



1. What are the functions of seeds? 



2. Name four ways by which Nature scatters seeds. How 

 can you tell by looking at any given seeds how they will be 

 scattered ? 



3. Name four ways by which man thoughtlessly scatters 

 seeds. 



4. Name four common weeds of the cultivated fields; four 

 of the meadows ; four of the lawns. 



5. How does Nature carry on seed selections? 



6. Why should seeds of cultivated plants be selected as 

 far as possible in the fields? 



7. How does Nature store her seeds ? How does she provide 

 for loss ? 



8. How do seeds stored in a moist place or climate compare 

 in germination with those stored where it is dry ? 



9. What is the greatest enemy of stored seeds ? 



10. Name the three factors which at first — that is, at 

 harvest time — determine the vitality of the seed. 



