SEEDS AND SEED GROWING 
95 
seed than for that grown by contract, the method under 
which the bulk of garden seeds is grown. In the contract 
method, when a house needs a certain quantity of seed, 
say Jersey Wakefield cabbage,, a contract is made with a 
grower who produces seed of this variety, and who may 
also furnish seed to many other houses. As this grower 
probably owns very little land, it is impossible for him to 
grow all of his seed, and, therefore, he must contract 
with a large number of other gardeners or farmers to 
grow the supply for him. 
In the management of seed growing by contract, vari- 
ous methods are employed. In many instances stock 
seed is furnished to the grower by the seed house or by 
the man with whom the grower has contracted. This 
stock seed is supposed to be carefully bred and grown 
under the direct management of experts. In the produc- 
tion of high-grade seed, one of the most important fac- 
tors is furnishing the best stock seed to the grower. The 
stock seed is sometimes furnished free to the grower, but 
the usual practice is to make a charge, which may be 
paid when the seed is obtained before planting, or it may 
be deducted from the value of the seeds grown. 
Many intelligent and reliable growers do not depend 
upon a middle dealer or a grower, or upon a seed house, 
for their stock seed. They have established a reputation 
for well-bred seeds, and can often demand higher prices 
than growers who are furnished stock seed. 
The greater part of the seeds sold in the United States 
is grown in this country, although there are many 
exceptions. The chapter on the culture of the various 
classes of vegetables gives additional information upon 
this subject. 
Seeds are grown on an extensive scale where natural 
conditions are most favorable ; soil, climate and the cost 
of labor are all important factors. Many crops, as the 
cauliflower, cabbage and pea, thrive best in a cool climate 
