REPORT OF THE SOCIETY 47 



To determine the size of the seed plot it is necessary to know the amount 

 of seed required the next year. For example if the requirement is fifty bushels 

 then a plot giving about one hundred or more bushels. It is necessary to 

 rogue diseased plants, cull diseased tubers at harvest time and make a rigorous 

 selection in spring at seeding.. All these will reduce the available supply to 

 about the amount required. 



The use of such a seed plot should not do away with the necessity of 

 spraying, but it would help. 



Aside from the selection from a disease point of view, there is much to be 

 gained in selecting for quality, purity of variety and yield. Such increase 

 in quality and yield would more than pay for all the trouble expended. 



The best cultural methods would have to be practised. A seed plot is 

 a "spoilt child" in the bringing along of which one has to exercise all the super- 

 vision and protection possible. Roguing cannot be too severe and the plot 

 should be changed and a long rotation practised to prevent the introduction 

 of any disease. 



I firmly believe that such methods would improve the crops in Quebec, 

 I believe them to be possible of realization and think we should unite to urge 

 the use of isolated seed plots. 



THE RELATION OF INSECTS TO VEGETABLE SEED PRODUCTION. 

 R. C. Treherae, Entomological Branch, Dept. of Agriculture Ottawa. 



When the question of pollination of plants is under discussion statements 

 are usually based upon the conclusion that, generally, cross fertilization is 

 beneficial to the species. It is usual to refer extensively to the value of insects 

 in the act of cross pollination. A great deal has been written upon this subject 

 and we have no doubts upon the matter that insects are essential to the satis- 

 factory setting of fruits and seeds. In orchard work it is claimed that fully 

 99% of the cross fertilization is effected by insects and the same is very largely 

 true with small fruits. It is only necessary to draw attention to the perfect 

 and imperfect flowers of strawberry to appreciate the importance of this 

 subject. It is, however, not my intention to enlarge upon this question at 

 this time. Examples are available to every student, and nearly every practical 

 horticulturist if he does not know the actual circumstances surrounding the 

 crossing of plants at least appreciates the importance of plant and insect 

 interdependence. 



