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liest means for effecting that object ? Bcfoi-e this can be satisfactorily 

 answered we must inquire further, what are the causes of the deteriora- 

 tion of varieties of grain ? May it be owing to a variety not being suited 

 to the soil and climate? Are some varieties better adapted to one 

 soil and climate than to another? Do some thrive better in one soil 

 than another in the same climate ? What are the precise effects of soil 

 and climate on different varieties ? What are the effects of a change 

 of soil independent of climate ? What is the result of raising seed-wheat 

 on the same farm, but with a different or special manure ? 



May the deterioration of an improved variety be owing chiefly to the 

 mixture of other varieties in the crop ? Do varieties of distinct habit and 

 character when mixed and grown together cross-breed. Is wheat, like 

 most of our fruits, and what are called florist's flowers liable to "sport" 

 into varieties, that is, M^ill it produce plants differing om each other and 

 from the parent stock, and this without the action of the pollen of a 

 second variety ? Will not a variety raised to a high state of perfection, 

 by selection and skilful culture, gradually deteriorate when grown a num- 

 ber of years by the ordinary methods ? In addition to hardy and pro- 

 ductive habits, is it possible to obtain varieties having some constitutional 

 peculiarity which will enable them to resist diseases, especially diseases 

 arising from the attacks of parasitical fungi ? In what state of ripeness 

 does seed-wheat afford the most vigorous plant? What are the effects of 

 different depths, times and modes of sowing, and of different quantities 

 sown per acre ? 



WILD RICE. 



Willow River, December 11th, 1852. 



My Dear Sir : — The Wild Rice of this country grows usually on the 

 borders of small lakes, but sometimes, when the water is not too deep, 

 and the bottom apparently soft, it will extend over a whole lake, literally 

 filling it ; so that when it is luxuriant, it is with difficulty that a canoe can be 

 worked through it. It usually grows in water from six to nine feet deep, 

 and rises about the same height above the water, with a straw and head 

 very similar to oats ; in fact, in many places, when nearly ripe, it has 

 the appearance of a large, luxuriant oat field. The kernel, after the husk 



