The Daily News. THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1900. AGRICULTURAL SEEDS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 96, 10 May 1900, Page 2

The Daily News. THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1900. AGRICULTURAL SEEDS.

It is very disappointing to find that the remarks of Professor Kirk, the Government Biologist, as to the dirty and impure condition of many of the samples of seed submitted for analysis last year apply equally to those he has lately tested. The investigating process is of a twofold character, viz,, by microscopical examination and by germination. In his report the Professor states that the germination of a large proportion was very low; that numbers of examples were found where old seed waß being offered, others where old and new had been mixed, and two cases where the seed had been "doctored." He adds the following remarks, which should be studied and remembered by all those requiring seeds :• —" Ido not consider the seedsmen are greatly to blame for selling such stuff. They keep good seed for those who will pay; bub many of their clients demand cheapness—save the mark!—and they will get it, likewise sufficient Dustiness, in many instances, to employ them for a lifetime in securing its elimination from their pastures; and such ' cheap' seed is, in the end, many, many times dearer than the highest-grade in the market." Again and again has the fallacy of false economy in buying rubbish at a low rate been pointed out, and yet it is evident that the lesson is a long way from being taken to heart. 80 long as there are those who will buy worthless and deleterious goods so long, will such goods be supplied. We quite agree with Professor Kirk in his plea for the passing of an Act securing that all samples of seeds and manures should be tested, and not only the results published but the name of the vendor also. This would not only protect the purchaser, but would encourage straightforward dealing.