i89o 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
3o3 
even in Europe, where conditions have 
compelled a closer attention to agricultural 
methods than has been the case in the 
United States, greatly increased attention 
has been given to the subject of late years. 
According to a recent writer on agricul¬ 
tural education in France, “ the general 
and prolonged depression of agriculture 
has had the effect of directing attention 
among all the nations of western Europe 
to the advantage of more extensive pro¬ 
vision for the scientific and practical in¬ 
struction of farmers.”. 
DIRECT. 
-L. R. Taft, Michigan Agricultural Ex¬ 
periment Station : “ While a majority of 
the seeds sent by seedsmen possess a 
viability sufficiently high to secure a crop, 
a large per cent, is old stock, and, especially 
under unfavorable conditions, may result 
in an uneven stand and an unprofitable 
crop. It is also very evident that nearly 
all, if not all seedsmen, make use of their 
old stock by mixing it with their new 
seeds. While it may be better for the pur¬ 
chaser to have seed half of which will grow 
than to have that from which few or no 
plants can be obtained, he is entitled to 
good seed, and the custom of mixing seeds 
is as fraudulent as that of adulterating 
milk or fertilizers.” 
-Edward Atkinson: “Capable farm¬ 
ers are producing greater crops at less cost, 
at higher wages and at adequate profits on 
a much less proportionate area of land to 
an extent never witnessed before. It may 
only be those who have not been ready to 
adopt, or capable of adopting, the new pro¬ 
cesses, tools, inventions and discoveries of 
science that are being left behind in the 
race. According to my observation, fail¬ 
ure to get a good living out of fairly good 
land is mainly due either to unwillingness 
or incapacity to adopt modern methods and 
appliances.” 
Garden and Forest : “ When once 
either a man or woman sets out in serious 
earnest to beautify the home-acre by plant¬ 
ing trees and shrubs and flowering herbs, 
we may cherish a well-grounded hope that 
this is the beginning of an interest in gar¬ 
dening, which will deepen with ensuing 
years, and come to be at last an unfailing 
source of recreation and refreshment.” 
“Naturally enough in these trade-lists 
plants of established merit are passed over 
with slight mention, for it is justly as¬ 
sumed that most buyers are informed as to 
their value. Tt is not surprising, therefore, 
that the novice, misled by the more cir¬ 
cumstantial and perhaps a trifle over- 
colored descriptions of the novelties and 
rarities and oddities among trees and 
shrubs, makes his selection largely from 
this class. The probabilities are that he 
will buy a great many more than are 
needed, and after he has crowded them all 
into his place, he will begin to realize that 
it has no consistent purpose, no unity of 
expression, no meaning.” 
AMERICAN SEEDS. 
C. L. PARSONS. 
I HAVE recently had occasion to make 
quite an extended study of the work that 
has been done in this country on the ger¬ 
minating power of seeds, and to collate all 
available results which were majde in spec¬ 
ial apparatus for the purpose under proper 
conditions. In view of the fact that sev¬ 
eral articles on seed testing have recently 
appeared in the R. N.-Y., one of which se¬ 
verely criticised one of our best known ex¬ 
periment station workers on this subject, 
I thought that a few of the averages ob¬ 
tained by me would prove of interest, and 
so present them. 
In gathering together the following 
tables it has been found impossible to put 
all published results under the first two 
heads, nor have I attempted to separate 
them where they have been almost hopeless¬ 
ly mixed, preferring to place them under the 
third or general head. These tables con¬ 
tain, so far as I am aware, all reliable re¬ 
sults on the varieties given, published in 
the United States and Canada up to date. 
Seeds obtained from retailers, including 
“ Commission Seed.” 
No. of seeds In 100 Impurities 
that germinated. per cent. 
Variety. 
V. 
O tn 
6 ® 
a 
u 
5 
► 
H 
a 
*2 
o ® 
a 
u 
41 
> 
>4 
a 
A w 
3 
< 
53 
At 
i 
< 
3 
Cabbage, 
1811 
2 
61.8 
100 
65 
0 
.16 
2.04 
Celery. 
87 
0 
3S.3 
92 
5 
n 
.37 
.95 
Corn, field 
6 
80.5 
91.5 
91 
4 
0 
0 
0 
Corn, sweet 
22 
14 
68.3 
97 
8 
0 
0 
0 
Cucumbers, 
43 
0 
69.6 
99 
19 
0 
.42 
5 
Beets, 
23 
36 
77.3 
99 
23 
0 
2.36 
15.1 
Lettuce, 
61 
15 
33.3 
Ilk) 
17 
0 
.59 
1.75 
Onions, 
174 
0 
71.5 
99 
14 
0 
.075 
.62 
Radish, 
52 
0 
65.5 
100 
15 
0 
1.21 
.4 
Tomatoes, 
76 
2 
71 9 
100 
20 
0 
1.18 
.5 
Turnip, 31 
Timothy Grass, ti 
-l 
0 
77.3 
61.2 
1U0 
78 
9 
0 
.58 
1.3 
Seeds obtaind direct from seedsmen. 
No. of seeds in 100 Impurities 
that germinated. percent. 
Variety, 
4-1 . 
O BJ 
. G 
a 
It 
© 
g 
M 
c6 
i— 
oi 
. 73 
a 
U 
© 
H 
a 
i 
< 
a 2 
— 
r 
Cabbage, 
70S 
0 
75.7 
100 
20 
0 
1.59 
5.8 
Celery, 
5 
27 
58.8 
100 
Corn, field. 
168 
6 
91.4 
1P0 
7 
0 
0 
0 
Corn, sweet, 
43 
68 
90.6 
100 
0 
0 
.94 
6.61 
Cucumbers, 
59 
85 
78.9 
100 
7 
0 
.14 
.48 
Beets, 
96 
18 
67.4 
100 
17 
0 
2.82 
10.31 
Lettuce, 
2.10 
0 
76.1 
100 
12 
0 
8 07 
14 4 
Onions, 
846 
0 
67.6 
98 
5 
0 
.52 
1.29 
Radish, 
231 
4 
77.1 
100 
5 
0 
2.84 
5.5 
Tomatoes, 
326 
7 
88.2 
100 
25 
0 
1.22 
10.06 
Turnips, 
257 
— 
80.5 
100 
2 
.05 
.24 
.19 
Timothy, 
6 
33 
81 5 
100 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Total average of seeds from all sources. 
No. of seeds in 100 Impurities 
that germinated. 
per 
cent. 
Variety, 
O • 
w 
■L» 
’ TI 
0 i j 
a 
h 
9 
> 
r 
H 
cS 
%-> . 
O Ti 
6? 
a 
S 
> 
>4 
c3 
A 2 
5 
< 
S 
ly © 
4J 
*—i 
« 
< 
S3 
Cabbage, 
399 
0 
74 
100 
87 
0 
.19 
5.8 
Carrot, 
123 
0 
58.6 
95 
10 
2 
4.22 
6.8 
Celery, 
43 
0 
40.3 
100 
6 
0 
.31 
.95 
Corn, field, 
987 
4 
89 
100 
11 
0 
0 
0 
Corn, sweet, 
114 
0 
82.8 
100 
17 
0 
.39 
60.64 
Cucumbers, 
lit 
0 
74.4 
1(H) 
24 
0 
.28 
5 
Beets. 
146 
18 
67.4 
100 
43 
0 
2 49 
15.1 
Lettuce 
321 
0 
80.2 
1IH) 
32 
0 
1.52 
14.4 
Onion, 
540 
0 
70 3 
99 
19 
0 
.19 
1.29 
Peas. 
211 
0 
88.7 
100 
23 
0 
0 
0 
Radish 
880 
0 
76.6 
100 
26 
0 
1.44 
5.5 
Tomatoes, 
452 
2 
80. 
too 
46 
0 
1.14 
10 06 
Turnip. 
295 
2 
87.7 
100 
13 
0 
.46 
1 3 
Timothy Grass, 51 
0 
80 
100 
15 
0 
8 
33. 
Red Top Grass, 80 
Kentucky Blue 
4 
84.2 
92 
6 
0 
51.7 
86. 
Grass. 
42 
0 
6.3 
40 
5 
.1 
3.3 
8 
Orchard Grass, 18 
10 
55.9 
96 
10 
0 
12.9 
61 
Red Clover, 
74 
29 
84.8 
ICO 
54 
tr. 
2.74 
13 
I do not intend to enter into a lengthy 
discussion of these tables, preferring that 
those who may be interested should inter¬ 
pret them for themselves ; still there are a 
few points of which I wish to speak. It 
will be noticed that the average per cent.. 
of seeds which were capable of'germinating 
was much less in the seeds bought of re¬ 
tailers than in those obtained directly from 
seedsmen with the exception of field corn, 
beets, lettuce and onion, this difference 
being higher than 20 per cent, in three 
cases. It is only fair, however, to the re¬ 
tailers of our more northeastern States to 
say that these average wide differences do 
not appear to occur with them, the reason 
probably being that as they are so much 
nearer seed markets, they can buy oftener 
and consequently keep fresher seeds than 
those more remote. Some recent results, 
published in Maine and others in Pennsyl¬ 
vania, show but little difference between 
these two classes of seeds, while results in 
some of our Southern and Western States are 
much wider than the average. The major¬ 
ity of the results on field corn, beets, let¬ 
tuce and onions given in the first two tables 
were made in States comparatively near 
our best seedsmen. There appears to be no 
such marked difference between retailers 
and seedsmen in regard to the average 
amount of impurities present in seeds as 
there is in regard to their vitality; the av¬ 
erage per cent, being sometimes larger in 
one case and sometimes in the other. This 
would seem to indicate that retailers do 
not often adulterate the seeds received by 
them from seedsmen and that whatever 
greater value may be claimed by seedsmen 
for seeds obtained directly from their hands 
is due mainly to greater freshness, and then 
they are perhaps apt to be more true to 
name. 
The third table gives the average of tests 
of seeds from all sources, which were on the 
market as good seeds. I have average re¬ 
sults with regard to most of our other gar¬ 
den vegetables: but do not deem it expedient 
to lengthen the table given. These results, 
like most of the above, vary from seeds that 
were absolutely worthless to seeds which 
were free from impurities and would all 
germinate. The large number of tests upon 
which some of the above averages are based 
adds to their value. It will be noticed that 
the per cent, of vitality varies with most of 
the varieties from zero to 100, while in all 
the minimum reaches a very low point. The 
average vitality is much too low in almost 
every case and is not nearly so high as is 
ordinarily guaranteed in European coun¬ 
tries. The average per cent, of impurities 
in seeds of garden vegetables is not perhaps 
higher than might be expected : but it will 
be seen that as pure seeds are on the market, 
it is higher thau it ought to be. It is for 
the minimum vitality and maximum im¬ 
purity that we must watch. And as such 
low vitality and high per cent, of impuri¬ 
ties do occur, it is well for the farmers to be 
on the alert. 
Our grass seeds are much more to be 
feared than the seeds of our garden vegeta¬ 
bles. Their average per cent, of germina¬ 
tion is lower, and they are apt to contain 
dangerous impurities. It will be seen that 
the average vitality for Red-Top appears to 
be only 34.2 per cent, and it also appears to 
me that 6.3 per cent, for Kentucky Blue 
Grass is too low even for one of the Poa 
family. The simple per cent, of impurities, 
it is true, does not tell us their character, 
but their character, while not always bad, 
is generally bad enough. The very latest 
results I have seen bearing on this point are 
in Bulletin No. 12 of the Nebraska Experi¬ 
ment Station. Twelve samples of Red 
Clover seed, eight of which were obtained 
directly from seedsmen, some of whom are 
our very best, were examined. If these 
seeds had been sown at the rate of 15 pounds 
per acre, an average of over 858,000 weed 
seeds per acre would have been sown. The 
sample containing the least would have 
given 19,000, and the one containing the 
most 1,290,000 weed seeds to the acre. Red 
Clover may be an unusually weedy seed, but 
it is a seed largely sown. 
Now why cannot the farmers themselves 
insist on improvement in this matter, and 
ought they not to do so? English farmers 
and the European Continental farmers 
can, as a rule, protect themselves and are 
protected by laws on the subject. English 
firms do guarantee their seeds notwith¬ 
standing the article in the R. N.-Y. of 
March 15th. to the contrary. I open the 
advertising pages of an English journal at 
random, and the first guarantee that meets 
my eyes is as follows: “Grass seeds, purity, 
genuineness and germination guaranteed. 
All seeds are supplied separately, and are 
offered and sold subject to the analysis of 
the Consulting Botanist to the Royal Agri¬ 
cultural Society of England.” Timothy, 
Red Clover, White Clover, Alsike Clover 
and Meadow Fescue are each guaranteed 
to germinate 95 per cent. This and similar 
advertisements will be found in Part 1st, 
1887, of the Journal of the Royal Agricul¬ 
tural Society. Our seedsmen have not seen 
fit as yet to give such guarantees. I am 
glad to say, however, that there is at least 
one seed broker in this country who does 
now guarantee both a certain per cent, of 
germination and purity for seeds. 1 recent¬ 
ly had occasion to show some of his seeds 
at a farmers’ meeting, and, almost without 
exception, they were picked out by several 
farmers from a number of other samples 
by their appearance alone. I understand 
that these seeds are tested by a Switzer¬ 
land Control Station. I see no reason why 
our seedsmen should not follow this inno¬ 
vation and give some guarantee, of course, 
disclaiming all responsibility after the 
seeds are planted. A number of experi¬ 
ment stations have tested seeds for farm¬ 
ers and undoubtedly will still do so. 
There is every reason to believe, however, 
that seedsmen will scout this idea as long 
as possible; but when the farmers are 
aware of their power, realize the good to 
be obtained by such guarantees, and are 
assisted by the agricultural press, they 
will probably secure the establishment of 
such stations. 
New Hampshire Experiment Station. 
$ti;siceUattfou$ ^dvcrti.sittg. 
Always name R. N.-Y. in writing to ad¬ 
vertisers. 
That 
Tired Feeling 
Prevails with its most enervating and discouraging 
effect in spring and early summer, when the toning 
effect of the cold air is gone and the days grow 
warmer. Hood’s Sarsaparilla speedily overcomes 
“that tired fpellng,” whether caused by change of 
climate, season of life, by overwork or illness, and 
Imparts that feeling of strength and self confi¬ 
dence which is comforting and satisfying. It also 
cures sick headache, biliousness, indigestion or dys¬ 
pepsia. 
Hood’s Sarsaparilla 
Sold by all druggists. $1; six for $3. prepared only 
by C. I. HOOD * CO., Lowell, Mass. 
IOO Doses One Dollar 
Stops Pain, Cramps, Inflammation in body or limb, 
like magic. Cun-sCroup. Asthma, Colds, Catarrh, Chol¬ 
era Morbus, Diarrhrea, Rheumatism, Neuralgia, Lame- 
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EN’q HORSE 
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cattle & cnnn 
POULTRY rUUU 
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Contains no poison. Best Tonic, Blood Pur¬ 
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can. 15c.;5 lbs. $ 1 . Ask dealers for it. Send 
*1 for 5-lb. trial can, charges pre*paid. 
Mfgd. bj L. A. RAVEN A CO., Chicago, 111* 
I Piso’s Remedy for Catarrh Is the 
Best, Easiest to Use, and Cheapest 
CATARRH 
■ Sold by druggists or sent by malL 
50c. E. T. Hazeltlne, Warren, Pm 
and parhitmg. 
CONTINENTAL, 
DISK. # PULVEEIZEE. 
THE BEST IS THE CHEAPEST. 
Your land will be hard and need thorough culti¬ 
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LABOR SAVED IS MONEY. 
You can get larger returns by using the Continental 
Larger crops mean more cash. Send for prices and 
circular, "How to Buy Direct.’’ 
THE JOHNSTON HARVESTER CO., , 1 J a ? la 
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A special bargain for one 
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to introduce our work. 
Bond Be. for Information. 
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Henney buggy Co 
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^"“Illustrated 
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Tent Free I 
- - L - 1 , - - - ~ ~ 
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Reader, don’t forget 
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■w....... H I 
A Great Bargain. 
In exchange for a herd of Jersey, Alderney or any 
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Also a fine tract in exchange for horses or stock of 
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Correspondence solicited. 
A. IS. DENTT, 
Box 322, Birmingham, Ala. 
Erniilin Valuable article on Feed for Poultry; reduces 
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i COMING HOG. 
liabletoCholera. 
O GROWTH. 8PLENDID 
EXHIBITION. MOST 
< FOR FOOD CONSUMED 
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