Relation of Size of Seed and Sprout Value to Yield 43 
Similar (but less striking) results were obtained in 1914 for 
Scotch Fife and Marquis spring wheat. When grown alone, the 
yields of grain, straw, total crop, and number of culms for Scotch 
Fife were respectively 75, 93, 90, and 103 per cent as large as 
for the Marquis wheat. In competition, these Scotch Fife yields 
were respectively 61, 90, 86, and 102 per cent as large as for the 
Marquis. 
Results for 1915 — The climatic conditions for 1915 were far 
different from those in 1914. Practically normal atmospheric and 
moisture conditions prevailed in 1914. On the other hand, the 
season of 1915 was unusually cool, humid, and wet. This differ- 
ence, as has also been observed on other occasions, resulted in a 
reversal of the competitive qualities of the two varieties. 
Planted alone, the yields of grain, straw, total crop, and 
number of culms for Big Frame winter wheat were respectively 
82, 105, 99, and 94 per cent as large as for the Turkey Red. In 
competition, these Big Frame yields were respectively 120, 128, 
125, and 117 per cent as large as for the Turkey Red. 
In the test with spring wheat, the yields of grain, straw, 
total crop, and number of culms for Scotch Fife planted alone 
were respectively 95, 114, 109, and 109 per cent as large as for 
the Marquis. In competition, these yields were respectively 99, 
125, 119, and 111 per cent as large as for the Marquis. 
These investigations suggest that competition may play a 
very important role in the natural improvement of cereal crops. 
RELATION OF SIZE OF SEED TO YIELD OF CEREAL CROPS 
METHODS OF INVESTIGATION 
Numerous methods of comparing the yielding qualities of seed 
grades have been employed by the various investigators of this 
subject. From the standpoint of farm practice the method of 
comparison should approach normal field conditions as nearly as 
possible. 
Methods of testing grades of seed may be classified as in the 
following outline: 
I. Character of test plat 
1. Small nursery test plats 
2. Large field test plats 
3. Pots filled with soil 
II. Manner of planting 
1. Seeds spaced to permit maximum development of 
individual plants 
