BREEDING 223 



strawberry nomenclature is due to differences of opinion 

 as to what constitutes a distinct variety. Most horti- 

 culturists agree that if it can be proved to have had a 

 distinct origin, it is entitled to recognition, even though 

 it is practically identical in appearance and behavior with 

 an older sort. The controversy about the Champion 

 and Windsor is a conspicuous example. Windsor was 

 originated in 1875 by C. A. Gardner, Dimondale, Michigan, 

 and was said by him to be Champion (of Neff) X Charles 

 Downing. After general trial it was found to be prac- 

 tically indistinguishable from Champion. Many were 

 inclined to accuse Mr. Gardner of intentional deception, 

 but it is more reasonable to suppose that the history of the 

 variety is as he stated it and that Windsor is really a 

 distinct seedling, but practically identical with one of its 

 parents. There have been a number of similar cases. 

 Soon after a variety has become established, various 

 "improved'^ strains of it are offered. Most of these 

 are merely selected stock, not seedlings, and do not 

 differ materially from the type. They soon pass out of 

 cultivation. 



About 1879 there was a movement to establish a 

 "Board of Fruit Patents" which would pass upon the 

 distinctiveness of new varieties. Nothing came of this, 

 nor of similar efforts in later years. It would be imprac- 

 ticable for three or four men to attempt to decide whether 

 a proposed variety is distinct and whether or not it is 

 worthy of being named and introduced. That authority 

 should reside, not in a Board, but in horticulturists every- 

 where. However, it would be a distinct advantage to have 

 all proposed varieties registered and descriptions filed at 

 one point. This would tend to make the introduction of 

 a variety a matter for more careful consideration than has 



