Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1909-07-01

Prof. Holden states that 800 samples
sent from farmers in the state showed
a vitality of only 80 per cent. Similar
results have since been obtained from
$500 samples, 70 per cent Of which
gave good, strong termination, Is per
cent weak, and Is per cent worth
less.
What is true of corn also occurs in
other seeds. The seed merchant must
depend for his supply of seed. from
the farmer. In many cases the grow
ing of farm seeds is a secondary con-
sideration with the farmer. If the
crop of clover seed promises well, the
seed is saved. The seed may have
been exposed to varying conditions Of
weather which causes rapid deterior-
alton of the seed. I have seen clover
for seed in shock all winter or we'll
into freezing weather. Under these
varying conditions the clover becomes
mouldy and hence the seed likewise is
mouldy and will show Il poor vitality.
It seems to me that the varying con-
ditions must be taken into considera-
ton, and that no law can fix the
standard Of vitality. 1t must needs be
changed slightly from year to year;
as to purity the matter is more fixed
because of the method of cleaning,
mechanical process, and yet there are
some conditions that cannot always be
fixed. Some new and dangerous weed
is occasionally introduced and this
must be dealt with at once. I would
prefer to have some general law and
then leave the standards Of purity and
vitality to the judgment Of some COM
In the case Of the United
states to the secretary of agricul-
ture the seed expert and some Seeds
man on the commission. This would
be a stair and impartial tribunal. In
the case of different states matter
can be, placed in the hands of the bot
anist, the director of the experiment
station and a third member to be Sc
lected from some seedmen.
II believe it good policy for the
scotsman Or some reliable expert to
examine clover and grass fields for
weeds before the crop is harvested
A casual inspection by an expert will
easily detect weeds, and fields that
are foul with weeds should not be har-
vested for seed. There is no reason
why the different docks, especially
curled dock, should be in clover
field, because the weed is easily de-
stroyed. It is difficult to remove all
Of this weed seed by any mechanical
process.
"The various laws which have been
passed in the several states have been
Of great benefit in that the farmers
have insisted on better seed and the
local merchants have had their seed
examined I am told that many farm
BIS prefer to buy the cheaper grade
Of seed. I am not informed, but from
over the state I am
inclined to think there has been a
great demand for good seed.
II am inclined to think that the
farmers and merchants have been
more vigilant since the passage of the
seed laws.
The various experiment stations
md the department of agriculture !
should publish more bulletins giving
Information about seeds. This is to |
oe a campaign Of education, not only |
or the seed merchants, but the farm |
,r. It will help to clean the fields, |
md in doing this we have won a great
)dLLI0 IOI AuQCAASoA o6AASuA|oAo'
loubt whether it is a wise plan to
publish the names of seed merchants
Who have sold seeds that are not up
o the requirements. In all Of our
,wn publications we have refrained
rom the publication Of names of seed
men who have sold seeds not up to
he requirement. The publication Of
hese facts will not better the condi-
ions. What we need is the active
of seedsmen, farmers and
eed merchants. In this way we can
Increase the efficiency of the business.
he experiment stations, farmers and
eedsmen should stand on mutual
round. The nearer the seedmen try
o conform to just law, the less need
or drastic legislation. MAY I add,