26 
ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURE 
method, and a more certain test of the germinating faculty 
is to place the seeds in a saucer, between two pieces of 
cloth saturated with v'ater. After a time equal to that 
which seeds usually require to sprout in the earth, we 
may judge of the quality of those under trial. 
56. Some seeds retain the germinating faculty a long 
time; but it is considered safer, particularly in field cul¬ 
ture, to use fresh seeds. It has been remarked that fruit 
accruing from old seeds, that had retained their germina¬ 
ting power, are better than those furnished by new seeds; 
these last producing more vigorous stems and leaves. 
Most plants come well from the seed; some trees only 
thrive best from another method of reproduction. 
57. It is often advantageous to set apart certain rich 
spots of ground as nurseries, or plant-beds, in which the 
seed is sown. After the plants attain the proper size, they 
are transplanted to where they are to remain permanently. 
This is the method pursued with tobacco, cabbages, etc. 
QUESTIONS. 
1. In how many ways are plants reproduced ? 
2. What is reproduction by generation ? 
3. What is reproduction by propagation ? 
4. What should be particularly attended to in reproductl f V g»n<sr*tlas>1 
5. What are the requisites of good seed; 
6. How can seeds be tested ? 
7. What are the results obtained from old and new seeds 
8. What is a nursery, or plant-bed ? 
