Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1841-03-02
AGRICULTURAL.
From the New England Farmer.
PROPER AGE OF SEED WHEAT.

NJ Edtor-Sir-l saw paragraph in the n f.
Farmer Of Dec 30th, 1870 on old wheat for seed to-
gother with request for better inlormation OF reasons
the Subject, than had been heretofore offered TO the
public.
have paid much attention to the growing of most
kinds of grains and other seeds and after fifty years
experience and observation think may hazard few
remarks on the subject matter Of enquiry. In the first
place will give reason why old seed should produce
more and better grain than new. 1t is well known to
all agricuursts that all seeds take root before they
put forth the bade and it is necessary that they should
root firm IN order to produce healthy and robust stalks
therefore, TO ensure good crop, take old seed and
Tor ihis reasont looses its terminating qualities
Inc 6idde IN greater proportion than IN the root-
hence 1t Will not come up so soon after sowing by from
three to five days. as new sced-he difference depend
ing altogether on age During this difference of time,
the grain is occupied in roofing firm and doep,and thus
becomes able TO produce healthy and robust stalk.
lhs delay gives vigor 10 the blade, which will be
manifested by its dark green color, all of which scws
maturity IN the terminating oil Of the seed, which is
necessary as II is TO let the grain maturity be-
fore II is harvested. Blasted shrunk seed is prefer
red 10y many farmers, not that they think is better but
because will 60 further, this is however minor
slderaton the true cause is that has much the quail
~ Of old seed; 1t loses in very rapid manner while
rPening alter is struck with blight that portion OF
vegeating oil which nourShcs the blade and quickens
vegetation while the germinann qualities of the root
are retained without any apparent loss.
Also, the same paragraph remarks on the ravages OF
the llessian Fly. 1t would appear from those remarks
that lis ravages entirely confined to that position
OF the held that was VII. seed, and that only
was attacked. There is a great and grand desldera
tum-one OF the greatest importance wheat growers
ut ue0 one that cost the farmer but little more
/ than the interest Of his seed for more years
which is minor consideration compared with the pres
/ ervalOn and guarantee Of a good crop.
There is for all things, and especially for tho
preference oGthe fly il his choice. 1t is the tenderness
and sweetness together that suits his taste much bette
than the tough and bitter blades OF healthy stalk; this
IS the only reason that induces the fly feed exclusive
ly on that portion otihe field which IS planted viii
new seed. For proof Of the above remarks, will re
fer 10 all grazing and Illuminating aumals-all which
prefer The young and tender shoots to the tough am
more mature branches, &c.
would here suggest 10 the wheat growers, whcthe
would not be 10 their interest TO portion Of ney
seed IN strips Of sufficient size to feed the lv dUru
IT'S ravagcS or feeding season TO mix old and ney
seed together, which might be less trouble as well
less safe. Respectfully yours
TIIOS. w. LYON.
NorthbOro', Feb. Sih, 1911.