Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1856-03-01

FARM AND GARDEN SEEDs.--The business OF
seeds for the farm and garden is one Of so much
importance, and yet is so little regarded by
many. that it requires special notice, and should
be urged upon the consideration of the thought
full and careful cutivators Of the soil. Much
of the skill iu culture fails of its due reward in
consequence of imperfection in the seed planted
or soWn.
The law Of nature, that " like begets like, y
is as true of the vegetable world as of the AMI
NAL kingdom In selecting seeds for field and
garden culture, reference should always be had
to plants or grains that have attained the high
est perfection in growth and maturity. In say
ing seed corn, the farmer should select, when
husking, the best and most perfectly develop
ed ears, choosing from stalks that bear two
or three ears when it can be done, thus secur-
ing yielding qualities So of wheat, rye, oats
and barley, select the largest and best heads.
A man who adopted this method in wheat cul-
ture, greatly increased the yield of his wheat
per acre. His custom was TO 90 through his
wheat field and select the longest heads that
were well filed thereby multiplying the long
heads in future crops So OF other grains.
Varieties of corn and other grains, roots,
bulbs, &c, of the same species designed for
seed, should generally be kept separate in cul-
tivation. If YOU have an extraordinary yarie-
of corn, never plant it near an ordinary varle-
ty, if you would prevent deterioration or run
ming out, as the farmer says In pcrfecting
a variety by experimenting, something is gain
ed sometimes by mingling varieties. After
having attained the degree OF Improvement de-
sirable, then keep the variety thus improved
separate from all others, while cultivating for
the sake of crops for market OF use, either for
bread or feeding.
A full and welEmatured kernel Of wheat or
corn will send up, when planted, stronger
plant with broader leaves, containing more Vi
tai power than seed of an imperfect or infe-
rior kind. As vigorous and healthy animals
will grow, thrive and fattcn on keeping that
the more delicate would continue lean and lank
upon scarcely more than deriving bare sub
sistence so of plants, whether corn or some
other grain, the vigorous seedlings grow and
thrive, while the feeble weaklings lack energy
to penetrate the earth and derive the nutri
tion necessary to perfect the plant. Always,
therefore, select the best roots for seed whe-
ther beets or any other, and continue to do so
from year to year, thus progressing towards
perfection.
Gather your seed when perfectly ripe, in
fair weather, and carefully dry it before put
ting it away for future use. In so doing you
preserve the vital power Of the seed. When
properly prepared, put them in bags or papers,
if garden seeds, label them and store them in a
good place for future use.
In buying seeds of whatever varieties, strive
to procure the best-and such as are free from
weed seed Of every species and variety The
want of proper care in this respect has result
ed in the extensive propagation of many nox-
ious and troublesome weeds. In selecting
beans and peas for seed, procure the largest
pods. Thus have subsequent crops been great
ly increased and improved.
What has now been said will serve, perhaps,
to awaken greater care and attention, to the
exceedingly important business of selecting,
saving and storing all kinds of roots, bulbs,
grains, &c, designed for future planting and
sowing, in the field and garden. Far too lit
tie attention has hitherto been given to this
subject. Bear in mind, that if you would have
healthful and vigorous plants, YOU nust give
special heed to the business Of saving and pro-
curing seeds. Like bcgets like" Men do not
usually gather abundant harveSts from mper-
feet seeds or seeding Now is the time to at
tend to this subject, so far as it relates to the
latter harvest. L. W
Rural NsV Yorker, Oci. s.