Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1914-04-11
TEST YOUR SEED.
ADVISES EXPERT
State Analyst Heyiar Says
Much Sold in Jersey Is
Practically Worthless.

The tests made in the State seed
laboratory at New Brunswick during
the past year indicate that there is a
considerable quantity of seed in the
New Jersey market which is practi-
cally unfit for seeding purposes or
which should be purchased at a price
commensurate with Its value, If such
seed must be purchased. The factors
which make this unfit condition are
large quantities of weed seeds, adul-
terant seeds of little or no value, and
seeds which have lost their ability
to produce strong, vigorous plant
under the best conditions. The plant
ing of this grade seed means the
| loss OF many dollars to the farmer,
and there is no question but what
this can and should be avoided under
present conditions in the State if the
buyer will but realize his RESPONSE
bility In the matter.
The following sggestions as to buy
Ing seed are offered with the idea of
pointing out what seems to be the
best method of procedure under pres
ent conditions in the State New Jer-
sey farmers are fortunately near two
of the largest seed markets in the
Eastern States. and conveniently near
the seed laboratory to secure very
prompt service in case of necessity.
l. Buy early in the season. The
cream of the market is usually taken
off first, and In years of low produc-
ton the cream is not very heavy.
There have been many complaints the
past season from persons who have
had to buy at the very last minute
before planting time.
l. H. I. 4, 1.
or some other association of farmers.
A large order thus secured will de-
mand the attention of the large seed
houses who make seeds their bust
ness, and who know their business.
Such buying usually means better sat
isfaetion to the buyer because of a
better price and uniform quality
3. Wherever the purchase is made,
buy seeds by sample and test if pos
sible. If early purchase Is made there
will be ample time for testing If
buying is delayed until a day or so
before planting there is not sufficient
opportunity to know what the seed
contains in the way of foreign mat
ter or what it can show in the way
of termination. Too many find this
out after planting. Formerly it was
practically the only method known for
testing seeds. Today there are means
whereby the purity can be accurately
determined and the ability to germn-
ate can be indicated before the land
is plowed The seed laboratory is pre-
pared to do this for you without
charge. So then, before making pur-
chase of seeds. send to several firms
for samples and prices. Send the sam
pies to the seed labora tory for test
ing. The report from there will give
you basis for comparing samples
from the different sources and enable
you to make a satisfactory selection.
When goods are received, a sample
should be drawn and submitted to the
seed laboratory for test in order to
determine if the seeds delivered are
like the purchase sample. If not they
can be returned or other satisfactory
settlement made, since the dealers
sample is a certain form of guarantee
as to quality. Large seed firms buy
this way. Why don't you try it?
4. In the buying of vegetable seeds
the question of variety is an all i'm
portant one. So also is the question
of termination. Unfortunately, the
varietal differences are not always
evident in the seed Certain seed
houses have developed some particu-
lar varieties and make an effort to
keep these up to standard. Therefore,
1t seems advisable to buy from such
concerns If their particular varieties
are desired. Aside from this consid-
GRAFTON. past experience will be the
best guide in selecting the source of
this class of seeds.
g.. Use the seed laboratory freely.
1t was instituted to serve the farmers
and cannot be most effective unless a
demand is made for it's services, which
are entirely without cost to the citi-
zens of the State. 1t will make tests
for purity and termination, determine
the identity of seeds and plants, and
otherwise supply information at its
command for those who will ask
for it. JOHN p. HEYLAR,
STATE Seed ANALYST