lo May, [91:;.] WJicaf ami its Cnltivaticii. 269 



thus better able to cope with such weeds. Moreover, the drill is more 

 economical with seed than is the broadcaster, as it requires at least 25 per 

 cent, more seed with the broadcaster to get the same braird. Wherever a 

 farmer values his seed-wheat at prices considerably above those ruling for 

 f.a.q. wheat — ^wherever selected seed of high quality is sown — this saving 

 of seed is a most important item. 



Moreover, with the drill the germination is far more regular, because 

 it is sown at a uniform depth. 



Finally, the depth of sowing may be regulated with the drill to suit 

 the condition and nature of the seed bed. 



Treatment of the Seed. 

 (1) Is Change of Seed Necessary? 

 There is a notion, \-ery prevalent among wheat-growers, to the effect 

 that change of seed at periodical intervals is more or less necessary. It 

 is very difficult to obtain, even from those who hold thi.s view most stoutly. 

 the grounds which render such a change of seed necessary. Perhaps the 

 most obvious reason lies in the farmers" expressive phrase that the " wheat 

 has run out." This is an expression of the belief that the continued 

 cultivation of the same variety of wheat under the same soil conditions 

 for a number of years results in the deterioration of that particular 

 strain of seed to such an extent as to render a change absolutely im- 

 perative. In other words, it is the practical farmer's expression of the 

 belief that varieties of wheat, under ordinary conditions of cultivation, 

 tend to degenerate. Such a view is by no means new. It dates back 

 at least to Roman times, for in the Georgics Vergil tell us — 



" Unless the peasant with his annual pain 



Renews his choice, and selects the largest grain, 



Thus all belo'W, by Nature's curse. 



Or Fate's decree, degenerates still tO' worse."" 

 It is difficult, indeed, to see how, if careless and slipshod methods of 

 cultivation are practi.sed, and no care taken to preserve the very best 

 of the crop for the next season's seed, the prolificacy- of any given variety 

 of wheat can be maintained at a high level. It is still more difficult to 

 see how such a grower can improve matters by securing a change of seed 

 from persons equally careless as himself. Unless the change he for the 

 purpose of obtaining a better variety, or more vigorous seed, or for seed 

 that has been subjected- to careful and continued systematic selection, 

 there can he no advantage resulting from change of seed. Indeed, if it be 

 merely a promiscuous exchange, it is more than probable the change would 

 be a decided disadvantage. This would happen in all cases, for example, 

 in which wheat is transferred from a fa\orable to an unfavorable environ- 

 ment. Again, in extreme cases, such as would happen, e.g., in introduc 

 mg new varieties from foreign climes, .several years must elapse before 

 the new seed becomes "acclimatized." {Vide p. 95.) Moreover, such 

 change of seed is often the cause of introducing new weed pests and 

 diseases from one district of the State or country tO' another. The balance 

 of evidence goes to prove that farmers should rely on locally- developed 

 seed, and should gi\'e more attention to their own seed, and the prevalent 

 idea that mere change of seed gives good results would appear to be 

 founded more on opinion than upon well ascertained fact. 



(2) Grading the Seed. 

 Another widespread notion which, fortunatelv. can be proved ex- 

 perimentally to have no foundation in fact is that shrivelled grain is as 

 good for seed purposes as plump grain. Some years agO' it was not an 

 uncommon practice for some farmers to sell their best wheat as f.a.q. 



