ox VAllIATIUNS IN THE COMroSlTIOX 01- OATS. 83 



subsequently enables the plant to struggle successfully against 

 difficulties of growth. It is well known that seeds which dif!er 

 but little in appearance, may have constitutional powers whicli 

 will manifest themselves in unfavourable seasons, when the plant 

 has to contend with adverse conditions. Nor must we limit the 

 evidences of these influences to unfavourable seasons, although 

 they give under such circumstances undeniable proof of their 

 power, but we should, on the other hand, constantly acknowledge 

 the truth of this hidden influence. In dealincj with animal life 

 we readily admit that we can intensify, and render more perma- 

 nent any desirable points of character. In vegetable life some- 

 thing has been done to establish in seed those distinctive charac- 

 teristics which we desire to perpetuate, but very much more yet 

 remains to be accomplished. 



Closely associated with this influence, is that which arises from 

 " change of seed," by which is generally understood making use 

 of a suitable seed grown in another district, or upon soil of a 

 different character. In the case examined we found that the cro]> 

 of oats grown after a " change of seed " yielded 46 bushels of oats 

 per imperial acre, and these weighed 43 pounds per bushel, whilst 

 upon the same land the crop grown without such change of seed 

 produced only 24 bushels of oats, weigliing 32 pounds per bushel. 

 The chemical analysis of these crops were as. follows : — 



Composition of Oats grown 

 "With change of seed. Without change of seecL 

 True albuminoid matters (gluten), . 7 "66 5 •23 



Starch, gum, &c., .... 60-90 



Fatty matter, 2 '45 



Cellulose, 11-55 



Nitrogenous matter (not true albuminoids) 2-62 



containing nitrogen, . . . ('413) 

 Alkaline salts in ash, . . . 1-41 



Earthy salts in ash, .... "35 



Silicious matter in ash, . . . -25 



Water, 12-81 



100-00 100-00 



The difference thus arising in the production is shown by a 

 statement of the food produced by one acre of each crop : — 



Acreage yield of Oats grown 

 With change of seed. Without change of seed. 



