The following paper by Luther Biirbank was read by the Secretary: 



SOME OF THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF 

 PLANT BREEDING. 



Luther Burbank, Santa Rosa, Cal. 



Only the most limited view of plant breeding can be given in an ordinary 

 thesis. It would be necessary to extend the subject through many volumes to 

 give even a general view of what has already been demonstrated, and that 

 which the clear light of science has yet to bring forth from the depths is too 

 extensive even for the imagination to grasp, except through a full knowledge 

 of what practical field work has already accomplished. 



The fundamental principles of plant breeding are simple, and may be stated 

 in few words ; the practical application of these principles demands the highest 

 and most refined efiforts of which the mind of man is capable, and no line of 

 mental effort promises more for the elevation, advancement, prosperity and 

 happiness of the whole human race. 



Every plant, animal and planet occupies its place in the order of Nature 

 by the action of two forces— the inherent constitutional life force, with all its 

 acquired habits, the sum of which is heredity; and the numerous complicated 

 external forces, or environment. To guide the interaction of these two forces, 

 both of which are only different expressions of the one eternal force, is and 

 must be the sole object of the breeder, whether of plants or animals. 



When we look about us on the plants inhabiting the earth with ourselves 

 and watch any species day by day we are unable to see any change in some of 

 them. During a lifetime, and in some cases perhaps including the full breadth 

 of human history, no remarkable change seems to have occurred. And yet 

 there is not to-day one plant species which has not undergone great and, to a 

 certain extent, constant change. 



The life forces of the plant in endeavoring to harmonize and adapt the 

 action of its acquired tendencies to its surroundings may, through many gener- 

 ations, slowly adapt itself to the necessities of existence, yet these same accrued 

 forces may also produce sudden and, to one not acquainted with its past his- 

 tory, most surprising and unaccountable changes of character. The very 

 existence of the higher orders of plants which now inhabit the earth has been 

 secured to them only by their power of adaptation to crossings, for through 

 the variations produced by the combination of numerous tendencies, individuals 

 are produced which are better endowed to meet the prevailing conditions of 

 life. Thus to Nature's persistence in crossing do we owe all that earth now 

 producs in man, animals or plants, and this magnificently stupendous fact may 



