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REPORT OF THE RESIDENT INVESTIGATOR FOR 1930 
Dr. C. Stuart GAGER, DIRECTOR. 
Sir: I herewith submit a report of the various activities in which 
I have engaged during 1930. 
Genetics of Brassica 
A beginning at a new undertaking was started during the year 
with the more extensive culture of varieties of the genus Brassica, 
including cabbage, mustards, turnips, ete. {wo problems present 
themselves as of interest: first, an analysis of the types of varia- 
tion presented by this multiform group; second, hybridization ex- 
periments, in a preliminary way, to learn whether the group offers 
favorable ground for genetic analysis. In general, the cabbage 
types are so greatly diversified (one grower estimates that there 
are several hundred distinct forms in cultivation in different parts 
of Europe), and ordinary commercial seed often shows so wide 
a variation, that the genetic problem may prove to be almost im- 
possibly complicated. There is, however, need for the compara- 
tive description and illustration of the distinctive varieties from a 
botanical point of view. 
School Service 
In New York City, where contact with nature is necessarily 
limited for most people, it has seemed important to me to call 
attention to the biological interest which attaches to the common 
products of the markets. It was in this connection that the cul- 
ure of cabbage types was first undertaken, and for this purpose a 
Botanic Garden Leaflet article, “ Cabbages in the Classroom,” was 
prepared and distributed among biology teachers. A similar paper, 
“Lessons in Apples,” was published in Torreya earlier in the 
year, in which some reference was made to the botany and genetic 
history of apple types. A third paper, ‘A Laboratory Lesson in 
Variation,” dealing with the Boston fern as useful class material, 
was prepared for the November—December Torreya, the publica- 
tion of which was delayed until January, 1931. 
Here also should be cited cooperation with Dr. Reed and Dr. 
Graves in promoting relations between the Garden and high school 
