Feb. 4, 1918 New-Place Effect in Maize 243 



environment seemed to act as a stimulus, with the result that the yields 

 were increased in all but one of the hybrids tested. One unhybridized 

 variety was included in the experiment, and this also gave slightly 

 increased yields as a result of being transferred to a new environment. 



In 6 of the 10 ^comparisons the increase is too large to be ascribed to 

 experimental error and indicates that new-place effect should be taken 

 into consideration as a factor of production. 



That significant increases may be secured by taking advantage of 

 new-place effect in maize should not be used as an argument in favor of 

 the general transfer of seed. There is no evidence that the importance 

 of using acclimatized seed has been overestimated. On the contrary, 

 the experiments show that new-place effect may often obscure the differ- 

 ences between acclimatized and unacclimatized seed when first com- 

 pared, and thus interfere with a full appreciation of the value of adap- 

 tation. 



The investigations show the existence of a hitherto-neglected factor 

 in maize production, but much more extensive experiments are needed 

 to ascertain the extent and practical importance of this factor. The 

 existence of one definite exception indicates that the tendency to increased 

 vigor following a transfer of seed is not universal. The results also 

 indicate that adaptation in maize comes about through selection rather 

 than as a direct reaction to the environmental conditions. 



