210 



On Seed-Steeping, $c. 



we should otherwise have had, it is certain that the crop of the 

 next year will suffer in proportion. The only chemical effect of seed- 

 steeping must be to cause germination to proceed more rapidly and 

 give increased vigour to the young plant, and consequently to re- 

 quire a larger supply of earthy matters from the soil. The expe- 

 riments made this year at the Gardens of the Society, must be 

 received with some allowance, as having been carried on in a pecu- 

 liarly unfavourable season ; they possess however considerable in- 

 terest, and as far as they go may be relied on as accurate. 



Bedford Row, 

 Xbth January, 1845. 



