MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 



B. P. I.— 178. 



I.-THE STORAGE AND GERMINATION OF WILD RICE 



SEED/' 



By J. W. T. Duvel, Assistant in the Seed Laboratory. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The seed of wild rice, sometimes called Indian rice or water oats 

 (Zizania aquatica L.), has always been a very valuable food among 

 the Indians, especially those of the upper Mississippi Valley. Of 

 recent years wild rice has found a place on the menu cards of some 

 of our best American hotels. The rich and highly nutritious grains, 

 together with the slightly smoky flavor it has when property pre- 

 pared, make it an extremely palatable article of diet. If it were not 

 for the difficulties of harvesting the seed and preparing the finished 

 product for market it is probable that wild rice would find a place in 

 man} 7 American homes. 



At present, however, the greatest interest in wild rice is created by 

 the value of the seed as a food for wild waterfowl, particularly wild 

 ducks. As a result of this interest the propagation of wild rice from 

 seed has become a question of considerable importance, especially to 

 the members of the gunning clubs throughout the United States and 

 Canada. 



DISTRIBUTION. 



The distribution of wild rice is now reported from New Brunswick 

 and Assiniboia south to Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. There are, 

 however, comparatively few localities in which it grows abundantly. 



« Wild rice is considered one of the most important foods for wild ducks and other 

 waterfowl, and a large number of inquiries have been received from members of 

 gunning clubs throughout the United States asking where good, germinable seed can 

 be secured. It is quite generally recognized that wild rice seed loses its vitality if 

 allowed to become dry, and better methods of storing the seed during the winter 

 have long since been demanded. 



The results of investigations begun two years ago show that wild rice seed can be 

 handled without any deterioration in vitality if it is harvested and stored according 

 to methods outlined in the present paper. 



J. W. T. Duvel, Acting Botanist in Charge of Seed Laboratory- 



Seed Laboratory, 



Washington, D. C, July 20, 1905. 



