SEED CLASSIFICATION

In order to become familiar with the farm and garden seeds, obtain samples of as many of them as possible.  Put them in small bottles—­homoeopathic vials for instance—­or stick a few of each kind on squares of cardboard.  Arrange them in groups according to resemblances or relationships, comparing not only the seeds but the plants on which they grew.  If you cannot recall the plants, and there is no collection available, study the illustrations in seed catalogues which can be obtained from seedsmen.  The following groups contain most of the farm and garden seeds, excepting flower seeds: 

GRASS FAMILY:           MUSTARD FAMILY:        NIGHTSHADE FAMILY: 
Corn,                  Mustard,              Potato,
Wheat,                 Cabbage,              Tomato,
Oats,                  Cauliflower,          Egg Plant,
Rye,                   Collards,             Pepper. 
Barley,                Brussels Sprouts,
Sorghum,               Kale,                 GOOSEFOOT FAMILY: 
Orchard Grass,         Kohl Rabi,            Beet,
Red Top Grass,         Radish,               Chard,
Timothy,               Ruta Baga,            Spinach,
Kentucky Blue Grass.    Turnips,              Mangle Wurzel. 
Watercress. 
GOURD FAMILY:                                 PEA OR LEGUME FAMILY: 
Canteloupe,            THISTLE FAMILY:        Garden Pea,
Citron,                Artichoke,            Canada Field Pea,
Cucumber,              Cardoon,              Cow Pea,
Gourd,                 Chicory,              Soy Bean,
Muskmelon,             Dandelion,            Bush Bean,
Pumpkin,               Endive,               Lima Bean,
Squash,                Lettuce,              Velvet Bean,
Watermelon,            Salsify,              Vetch,
Cymling.                Sunflower,            Clover,
Tansy.                 Alfalfa. 
PARSLEY FAMILY: 
Caraway,               LILY FAMILY:           MALLOW FAMILY: 
Carrot,                Asparagus,            Okra,
Celery,                Garlic,               Cotton. 
Coriander,             Leek,
Cumin,                 Onion. 
Fennel,
Parsley,
Parsnip.

[Illustration:  FIG. 45.  To show the use of the kernel to the young corn-plant.  The kernel was carefully removed from the plant on the right when both plants were of the same size.  The result is a dwarfing of the plant.]

[Illustration:  FIG. 46.  To show how deeply seeds should be planted.  Seeds 1 and 5 did not sprout because they were not deep enough to get sufficient moisture.  The corn-plants from sprouting seeds 2, 3 and 4 all pushed their slender growing points to the surface.  Of the beans, No. 6 succeeded in pulling the cotyledons to the surface, and has made a good plant.  Nos. 7 and 8, although they made a hard struggle, were not able to raise the cotyledons through so great a depth of soil, and finally gave up the struggle.]

TRANSPLANTING