IV. MONOECIOUS AND DIOECIOUS CKOPS. 

 Maize, as is well known, is largely cross-fertilized. Many- 

 breeders at the present time are agreed that not only is continu- 

 ous self-pollination injurious to the crop but that the best chances 

 of improvement lie in breeding on a broad basis and in permitting 

 natural crossing to take place within limits. The uniformity 

 which is possible in narrow breeding is likely to be of less impor- 

 tance than the vigour and consequent increased yield which results 

 from crossing within broad limits. Yield is likely to be of greater 

 importance than uniformity.^*" 



Our observations on crops of this group are limited to castor 

 {Ricimis communis, L.). In 1908, ten single plant castor cultures 

 were made from plots grown at Piisa the previous year from 

 various samples of local Bihar seed and from two samples 

 of castor from Africa. In all cases the cultures showed that 

 natural crossing had taken place, a result which was fully expected. 

 Any attempt to introduce into India an exotic variety of this crop, 

 however excellent, could have little effect as its qualities would 

 quickly be lost through crossing with the indigenous crop. 



1 Collins, BvU. Ul, Bureau of Plant Industry, F. S. Dcjjt. o/Agr., llKlt. 



2 Shall, T/ie Composition of a field of Maize, American Breeders' Association, vol. 4. 



