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Terms Used in Descriptions. 



Type. — The recognized standard of a variety is spoken of by 

 seedsmen as the type. No two individuals of a variety are exactly 

 alike. The average of the individuals, therefore, must be con- 

 sidered in forming the type. 



Uniformity. — Varieties differ in degrees of variation. A variety 

 with a narrow range of variation is said to be uniform. As a rule 

 the older varieties are more uniform, in which case the type is said 

 to be fixed. Uniformity in size and color of pods are important 

 characters from the standpoint of attractiveness. Navy Pea, among 

 field varieties^ and Davis Wax or Red Valentine among garden 

 varieties, offer good examples. Uniformity in maturing — the 

 habit of ripening all the pods within a period of eight to ten days — 

 is a valuable character from the standpoint of convenience. Red 

 Valentine and Refugee Wax exemplify this character. 



Ideal. — The term ideal is used to express the different concep- 

 tions of seedsmen and growers as to what a variety should be. 

 There is frequently a great difference in the stock from different 

 seedsmen, due largely to the varying conceptions of the type. 



Purity. — The term purity is used to express freedom from mix- 

 tures of other varieties or wide deviations from the type. There is 

 a great difference in the purity of stock of different seedsmen. 

 This fact suggests the importance of dealing with reliable seedsmen. 



Habit.- — The habit of a variety refers to the mode of growth — 

 whether dwarf or climbing, erect or spreading, compact or loose. 

 Among dwarf varieties a tree-like compact habit is desired. Red 

 Valentine may be cited as an example of the compact erect type. 

 Among pole varieties growers prefer a compact plant that takes 

 to the pole readily, and does not climb beyond reach. 



Vigor. — Vigor refers to the natural or vital power of the plant. 

 The vigor of some varieties is not sufficient to produce a plant 

 large enough to carry the required amount of fruit and foliage. 

 Other varieties are so vigorous that too much plant and too little 

 fruit are produced. 



Hardiness. — The hardiness of a variety refers to its ability to 

 resist disease, insects, and unfavorable soil and weather conditions. 

 A good example of a hardy bean is the Mohawk, among garden 

 varieties, and the Navy Pea among field sorts. 



