The author tested seed of Pinus silvestris. Picea abies. Betula verrucosa, and B. pubescens and found that seed of these spp. germinated much more quickly in light than in darkness. With Picea abies, B. verrucosa. and B. pubescens. the same final germination was attained in darkness and in light; final germination of Pinus silvestris seed, on the other hand, was much poorer in the dark. The author concludes that germination tests should be made in sufficient light, and that seed, at least of Pinus silvestris. should not be covered in sprouting tests and only lightly, if at all, in forest sowing.