This of course is true for large
lots, whenever the averages only are compared. In smaller experiments
the external conditions of the single individuals should always be
considered carefully. Lots of one or two square meters suffice for such
comparisons, but smaller lots are always subject to chances and [381]
possibilities, which should never be left out of consideration.
Therefore I will now point out some circumstances, which are ordinarily
different on various parts of one and the same bed.
In the first place comes the inequality of the seeds themselves. Some of
them will germinate earlier and others later. Those that display their
cotyledons on a sunny day will be able to begin at once with the
production of organic food. Others appear in bad weather, and will thus
be retarded in their development. These effects are of a cumulative
nature as the young plants must profit by every hour of sunshine,
according to the size of the cotyledons. Any inequality between two
young seedlings is apt to be increased by this cumulative effect.
The same holds good for the soil of the bed. It is simply impossible to
mix the manure so equally that all individuals receive the same amount
of it from the very beginning. I am in the habit of using manures in a
dry and pulverized condition, of giving definite quantities to each
square meter, and of taking the utmost care to get equal distribution
and mixture with the soil, always being present myself during this most
important operation.
Pages:
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375