SEED GERMINATION 
175 
Sand-Box or Sawdust Box Testers.—By drawing 
cords across a box of sand, as indicated in the diagram 
(Fig. 131), squares may be marked off and numbered, 
six or eight seed may then be taken from each ear of 
corn and planted in the square corresponding to the num¬ 
ber on the ear. While the sand-box does not permit the 
Fig. 129.—Checking a rag doll tester. The knife points to decayed grains. 
Ear number 2 should be discarded. 
observation on the root system, it provides more natural 
conditions for the growth of the seedling. The number 
of seeds germinating may be counted, and the rate of 
growth observed. Those seeds which appear above the 
ground first usually produce the best plants. 
QUESTIONS 
1. Name four conditions necessary for seed germination. 
2. What is meant by dormant and active stages of a seed? 
3. Why are good seeds so important? 
