56 



VEGETABLE GARDENING. 



with grass to prevent rapid evaporation. One hundred seed 

 should be counted out just as they come, and be sown. By count- 

 ing the seedlings the per cent of germination of the seed is 

 easily obtained. 



A Simple Germinating Apparatus. — A simple method of test- 

 ing seed is as follows: — Take two plates and in one of therri 



Figure 22. — Simple device for seed testing (open). 



place a folded cloth, woolen flannel is preferable, since it must 

 remain moist for a long time, but any cloth will do. The cloth 

 should be free from dye stuffs since they may contain injurious 

 chemicals. Wet the cloth, pressing out the surplus water, leav- 

 ing it very damp, but not soaked. Place the counted seeds be- 

 tween its folds and mark plainly with a pencil on a piece of 

 paper the number of seeds put in and the date. Then cover with 

 the second plate, as shown in figure 23. Plenty of air will get in 



Figure 23. — Simple device for seed testing (closed). 



between the plates, and the upper one will prevent evaporation. 

 The temperature should average as recommended. Common 

 newspaper or wrapping paper may take the place of the cloth, 

 but requires much more attention. 



