Bulletin Volume 152-173 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1906 Excerpt: ...and vegetable seeds sold in the state differ greatly in quality; some of them being agriculturally worthless. The use of poor seed dooms the crop to partial or complete failure at the start and the owner to disappointment and loss. Loss of this kind can be avoided in most cases by testing the seed before buying or planting. Some kinds, like corn, can be readily tested at home. Other and smaller seeds need facilities or skill which are not commonly available. This Station will, to the limit of its ability, do this work of testing for the farmers of this state, when the results are likely to be of any general interest and value. To give them value to the sender and to the public alike, 1. The sample should represent stock offered for sale in the state. A small sample sent by mail from some dealer at a distance is of no value unless he guarantees that the goods shipped shall be like the sample. 2. The sample should be described on a blank which will be supplied by the Station on request. 3. The sample should be so taken as to fairly represent the stock on hand. Carelessness or inaccuracy in this particular impairs or destroys the value of the Station's work. Instructions for Sampling Seeds. An accurate sample can be taken by following these directions. 1. Mix well together with the hand and arm the contents of the package (bag or barrel) of seed. 2. Take out five or six small handfuls or cupfulsf from various parts of the package, mix these carefully together and take a part of this mixture for the sample. 3. Send of the smaller seeds--red top, white clover, timothy, etc., at least two (2) ounces; of beets, turnips, red clover, etc., four (4) ounces; of wheat and cereals, and of peas and other legumes, eight (8) ounces. 4. Samples may be sent by mail, so secur...