138 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan., 



is no particular need of crossing it to make variations. In 

 the tobacco plant you have a plant which is more uniform in 

 type and it is necessary to cross it in order to make a sufficient 

 variation, sometimes. I do not know as that answers your 

 question exactly, but I should not say that there is any particu- 

 lar strain that we could better by producing variances through 

 crossing with distinct types. I think the improvement should 

 rather come through the selection of the best seed from 

 distinct types or varieties. I think there are a good many 

 strains that have their place, adapted perhaps to particular 

 climates or localities. There should be a strain developed for 

 each diflferent climate, and for each different soil in Con- 

 necticut. 



A Member. So far as you know, sir, is there any dif- 

 ference in the protein content between corn grown in northern 

 Connecticut and that which has been grown further south? 



Mr. East. It is rather hard to make a comparison be- 

 cause there has been no test that I know of made with exactly 

 the same strain or seed in the two different places, but from 

 general analysis and from reason I should say ihat corn grown 

 in the northern states would contain a greater per cent, of 

 protein because of the shorter time which it has for the carbo- 

 hydrate to develop, which, as has already been stated this 

 afternoon, develops last in the pr0gress to maturity of the 

 grain. 



A Member. Mr. President, I would like to ask a practical 

 question. I am a poultryman and make my living by the 

 little hen. I would like to know if corn can be bred so I could 

 feed it to my fowls exclusively and get as good results from it 

 as I could by feeding wheat. The difference in the cost of the 

 two grains is greatly in favor of corn. Now if I should raise 

 more corn and raise that of the highest protein content, would 

 it be necessary for me to feed wheat? 



Mr. East. I have some doubt whether your fowls would 

 thrive on wheat alone. You have to feed them other foods. 



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