388 State Horticultural Society. 



formly large fruit than to choose from one extra large fruit when the 

 remainder on that plant were small. For this reason corn should be 

 .selected in the field from vigorous plants. Some individuals show a 

 stronger tendency to revert to inferior ancestors. It is best to discon- 

 tinue selecting from such plants and choose from another having the 

 same desirable charactei*s but showing less tendency to revert." — West- 

 ern Fruit Grower. 



INDIVIDUALITY OF TKEES. 



Prof. G. Harold Powell spoke on the underlying principles of va- 

 ritey improvement, saying in part : 



]^o two plants in existence are exactly alike; each has its own indi- 

 vidualitv; even the branches on the same tree are not alike, or the buds 

 on the same branch. The variable individual is the key to progress; the 

 tree as a whole has a strong individuality; but the buds vary among 

 themselves just as the trees in a nursery row, as no two have developed 

 in exactly the same conditions. When we approach the problem of 

 variety improvement we must know more of the secret of variety-making. 

 In attempting the improvement of varieties, we must discover the habits 

 of individuals — we must have a preconceived idea of the type we are 

 striving for. Great changes have been made by selecting seed of speci- 

 mens of given type in radishes, corn, tomatoes and other varieties of 

 plants. iSTature's object in crossing is to infuse new life into the speci- 

 iuens, and the plant-breeder may expect great results from his labors, in 

 bringing out new and stronger varieties of plants and vegetables. ISTature 

 d OS not produce erratic forms here and there and expect them to crowd 

 o't every other form. But there is a great variation, even in the buds 

 of (n-ery variety. The buds that show the greatest variation in form and 

 ha')it are the ones of greatest interest and importance to the horticultur- 

 ist, many fruits showing a decided defPerence in type of the same variety. 

 In vegetabes this is most marked in the potato family. Cases may be 

 cited of apples on the same tree varying in type and color; a Eoman 

 Beauty apple tree of Ohio, bore apples much larger and had more 

 spreading branches than usual. In like manner a Ben Davis, of Indiana. 



