1906.] 



Sainfoin Seed. 



per acre, while fifty to fifty-six pounds of the milled seed is 

 allowed for the same area. The seed removed from the pod has 

 a smooth surface, reniform or kidney-shaped in ap)pearance (see 

 fig. 2), and in good samples it is plump and yellowish-grey 

 or light brown in colour. When black or shrivelled it has 

 ■either been spoilt by bad harvesting or old age, perhaps a 

 combination of both evils. Seed of this character may some- 

 times be found when it is bought in pod fsee Fig. 3). 



To one accustomed to handle many samples a fair idea of the 

 •commercial value may be gained in the first instance by closely 

 •examining the seed pod or fruit ; its weight in the hand, colour 



Fig. 3.— Shrivelled Dark-coloured Seed. (Magnified four diameters.) 



and freshness in appearance, are indications of value. The 

 true seed can be examined by removing the husk and observing 

 the plumpness and colour of the seed. In thi? way experience 

 may teach one in a degree to arrive at a fair and honest judg- 

 anent. Nevertheless, it must be remembered that gauging the 

 .-commercial value by the external features only is a matter of 

 •opinion in whrch experts may differ. It is only by the applica- 

 tion of special tests that we are able definitely and truly to 

 ■estimate the value of any sample of seed. 



^ Assuming that the conditions are favourable to a healthy 

 growth, the amount and quality of the resulting crop is, in a 

 =Very great measure dependent upon the purity and vitality of 



