PLANTING 
87 
the fast-growing radishes skirmish ahead and break the way 
for the more delicate, deliberate carrot seeds. Having served 
their altruistic purpose, the radish seedlings are weeded out. 
Spare no pains to secure first-rate seeds. The wise farmer 
puts his trust in the best houses and does not get disap- 
pointed. He is not to be caught taking chances at the gro- 
cery store. Seeds bought at such places are often old and poor. 
SOUTH CAROLINA BOYS MAKING SEED SELECTIONS 
and the proportion of seeds that germinate has been known 
to fall as low as sixty per cent or even less. Nowadays, school 
children in cities can usually obtain good seed in penny pack- 
ages through educational centers. Fresh seed is generally easy 
to recognize by its bright, new surface. Peas are an exception ; 
even in their best days they may look aged and wrinkled. 
It is part of a gardener’s business to know how to test his 
seeds. There are elaborate methods which may be recom- 
mended, but simple rules will answer most purposes. Any 
