Rensselaer Republican, Volume 13, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 July 1881 — Plant Good Seeds. [ARTICLE]

Plant Good Seeds.

Prairie Farmer. However hackneyed the above caption may seem, it should never be lost sight of wheu the time for planting any and ail crops srrives. It is a prime factor in the profitable outcome of every crop, for upoD it depends, in large measure, the reasonable probability of securing fair returns for the time and toil necessary in all lines of field and garden husbandry. However careful many farmers and planters may be, the fact remains that there are many others who are too indifferent to the quality of the seed they plant. Just at this time when a large number of persons are obtaining seed for spring crops, a word upon the subject ts not out of place; and this is especially pertinent in regard to seed corn. It is well known that early frosts last fall in many parts of the oentral Western States seriously injured corn. Thp kernels on the upper side of the ears weie much damaged, and such kernels if planted will do little more than start. Their vitality is notsuffleent to grow. Those who saved seed corn before such early frosts will not be much disappointed, but if the frosted corn is used, much will have to be replanted. Better examine and try the corn saved for seed before planting it in the field. This may be done in the house, by testiug the seed in boxes of earth. In portions of Dlinois and central lowa we understand that very little of the corn raised last year will be planted and that farmers either intend to use corn for seed that was grown in 1879, or obtain seed of last year s crop from localities where com matured without injury. The importance, not only to the individual farmer, but to (he aggregate value of any crop grown in this country, ought not to be lightly considered, whatever the crop to which a farmer devotes any portion of his land, and however favorable may be the conditions for its growth, he may accept it as a stubborn fact that good seed is indispensable, if the highest results, the greatest amount es success and Eroflt, are to be obtained. A price may e charged for such seed that may seem exorbitant, bat it should be recollected that he cnanot afford to use Door and comparatively worthless seed, even if It costs him nothing.