Connecticut western news., 1885-05-06

Before the planting season actually arrives, every farmer and gardener should provide an abundance of good seed of the best var cities. This is @ matter of the first importance, and one which should be seen to at once by those who have not already given 1t careful attention. A delay of even few days now may lead to disappointment-a failure to obtain what is most desirable. In order to secure seed of the best qual- ity and choicest varieties, it is necessary to take time by the forelock, and 1t will pay to take extra pains in selecting and purchasing not only field and garden spring planting. It is to be hoped, however, that our readers have already provided themselves with these req uisites for good crops, so that they will be ready to commit the precious seeds and plants to well-prepared ground at the earliest practicable moment.
 But when we wrote the title to this article our purpose was to discuss the importance of using only good seed at planting time, rather than the procuring the same, taking it for granted that most cultivators had already obtained their supplies; yet the two matters are so nearly connected that they can hardly be separated. The injunction to "plant good seed" Is somewhat hackneyed one we ace aware Qike unto that which saith "breed from the best'O; but it is very important at this juncture, and should be needed by all engaged in field or garden culture. Indeed, the planting of good, pure seed is prime factor in the profit lble production of almost every crop; for upon it often depends proper remm eration for the labor of cultivation. It is feared that few realize what many assert as fact, that the seed exerts, in most instances, controlling influence upon both the quality and quantity of the crop produced, though, of course, careful preparation of the ground and good after culture have much to do with the result. Although many farmers un- derstand this, and exercise proper care in the matter, it is nevertheless true that a large number are either alto gether indifferent or pay but little atten- ton to the quality of seed they plant. Many husbaDdman takes great pains to enrich and prepare his soil for a bounti- ful yield, and then ''misses 1t, decidedly by neglecting, or otherwise failing to secure the right seed, so that frequently, instead of proving profitable, the crop raised is not worth the labor bestowed upon it's cultivation.
 The truth is that the purity of seed, and genuineness as to varieties, espe- cially of grains, is of the first import ance to all who wish to grow good and abundant crops and obtain the highest prices for their produce. No farmer worthy of the name, and certainly no progressive cultivator who would keep abreast of the times in improvement, should SOW bushel of grain unless it is sound, of one variety and free from any mixture. By using good seed, of un- doubted purity, the crop will be uniform in ripening--not one part ripe when the other is green and unfit for harvesting. But the most forcible and convincing reason why only strictly pure seed should be planted, and the one which touches the pocket, is that the product will usually command a much better price than can be obtained for mixed grain. Tbis is not mere guess work, but emphatically true, especially in re- gard to the cereals. Grain buyers can- not easily be deceived they are usually good judges, and will not pay as much for a mixed as for uniform article of wheat, rye or corn. For instance, if a lot of corn is neither white nor yellow indeed, is not of any one or known vari- ety--the shrewd buyer, who can tell at glance, will not pay as much for 1t as if it were pure and unmixed. And the same is true of most grains, and many vegetables, as purchasers generally judge from appearances, and are par ticular as to uniformity of variety as well as quality. Another cogent reason why farmers should use pure seed only, is that thereby they avoid the introduc- tion of evil weeds and plants upon their premises, and this is very important consideration.
 In conclusion we are constrained to say in all earnestness that this ques- ton of pure seed is one which no farm- CT or gardener can neglect with i'm punity; for so long as effect follows cause, so long will it be impossible to ob- tain first-class crops of either grains or vegetables from seed of inferior quality or mixed varieties. For, az a rule, it is as true in the vegetable as in the animal kingdom that s'Iike produces like" and that which you SOW you will reap, or worse. Every one should, there fore, see to it that only the best seed is planted in his fields and garden. Don't hesitate about o little extra cost, but "get the best"; for inferior seed is generally the most expensive, even if | it's first cost is nothing. Be sure to plant good seed on well prepared soil, giving proper after-culture or manage ment (according to the crop), and you | will he entitled to commensurate reward