58. 
We cannot, after examination of these tables, escape the conclu- 
sion that in the ordinary testing of seeds, we can only be satisfied 
with results that are large. Wherever the germinative per cent. 
seems small, a repetition of the trial is demanded, in order to secure 
certainty that either the samples or conditions were right. 
Before our germination trials between seed from different sources 
of supply can be satisfactory, much preliminary work is required in 
order to ascertain for each species the conditions that will allow of 
close duplication in our trials, conditions as respects sampling and 
temperature. If, however, our trials be made with a sufficiently 
large number of seeds, we may expect to obtain a nearness of dupli- 
cation in results, In accordance as we increase the number of seeds 
used, but what this number should be for any given trial seems yet 
uncertain. 
In the accompanying table is given the results of germination 
trials at the Station, in order to obtain an idea of the influence of 
age on the germinative property of seeds. From what we have al- 
ready said, it will be seen that only those figures which are the re- 
sults of numerous trials with numerous seed are comparable, and 
that we have reached but little progress towards a conclusion. The 
seed used is commercial seed, and represents the average quality as 
sent out by reputable seedsmen. 
RESULTS OF GERMINATIONS, 1882 To 1885. 
No. No. No. Age Average 
VEGETABLE. of of of in per cent. 
trials. varieties. seed. years. germinated 
ALR CKOND are cee nls tae on ere. Cees 2 1 200 14 0 
Artichoke ie. Me sea oy eke eee 3 1 150 1 63 
1 1 20 2 80 
1 1 30 3 57 
Asparagust 08, =. A830. 2k oe 15 1 450 1 86 
3 2 150 2 65 
2 2 100 3 40 
1 1 50 9 0) 
Bagi eas ie. ti ee Ae ee ee 1 1 100 2 22 
1 1 100 8 15 
2 1 200 9 15 
Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris).----------- Lz 13 680 0 92 
6 3 340 1 96 
6 2 240 2 69 
l 1 50 3 98 
Bean (Py mudiaflorus), 222 YRe oe ee 2S 2 1 20 0 95 
Beanie lunapus)? pe ee eee oo 1 1 25 1 92 
Bean ( Dolichos sesquipedalis)._....--- 1 1 50 2 100 
2 1 50 3 100 
Beet (Fruits germinated) ...._._____. 2 2 100 0 81 
22 7 1500 1 74 
27 ih 2350 2 70 
4 2 400 3. iv 88 
3 2 250 + 69 
1 1 50 i) 88 
4 1 400 6 62 
1 1 50 7 34 
4 3 300 9 33 
2 1 200 10 14 
2 1 100 12 40 
2 1 200 13 27 
1 1 50 14 10 
