16 THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 



are more reliable niethocls of propagation. Interesting l)iul 

 variations are always possible witb perennial vegetables. In 

 forcing rhubarb the petiole is longer, the texture is improved, 

 the epidermis is thinner, and the water content is increased. 



In English catalogs three varieties of sage are offered — 

 green and purple, which are hardy, and a \ariagated form 

 which is not. Dreer offers Holt's Mammoth Sage, but this 

 does not produce seed and must be propagated by cuttings. 

 Thorburn lists a Broad-leaf Sage, Red Sage and Purple Sage. 

 Boddington lists three \arieties — Common, Red, and Furi)le. 

 It behooves growers to watch progressive seedsmen in tiieir 

 attempts to produce new varieties which are adapted to dif- 

 ferent climates. A plant in harmony with its environment 

 will naturally make the best and (piickest growth. 



The Rhode Island Experiment Station in bulletin 41 has 

 divided the varieties of Spinach into four groups, each with 

 characteristics clearly defined, so that growers may beneht by 

 the distinctions, antl plant to get the greatest yield possible for 

 his given conditions. 



l)oth the Maine and Maryland b'xperiment vStations have 

 done considerable work on sweet corn, and their bulletins des- 

 cribe diff'erent \arieties and their particular value. It has l)een 

 touiid that cross ])ol]inalion nia\- take place at a distance of 

 two miles. Black-birds carry pollen in their plumage. \'arietal 

 difference in time of niaturit\- does not pre\ent cross pollina- 

 tion ot corn, ilowexer, thei"e is loss of vegetatix'e \igor in 

 plants which are persistently self-pollinated. Better stock seed 

 corn should be used. Eocally grown seed of good reputation 

 is best to use in that localit\-. In the west the corn develops 

 faster. Rich, mucky soil gives better field corn, while the 

 gravelly soils give better returns in <|ualit\- of sweet corn. 

 Climatic conditions govern size of stalk and earliness. Soil 

 conditions govern sweetness and tenderness. 



