EXPERIMENT STATION REPORT. 419 



For the last few remarks I am indebted, in part, to the excellent 

 paper, "Hybridization in the United States," by Professor Bailey, in 

 the recently-issued report of the Hybrid Conference, held at Ches- 

 wick and London, in July of last j'ear, at which Professors Webber, 

 Swingle and Hays took part, and besides, Professor Bailey, Dr. Mac- 

 farland and Mr. Thomas Meehan sent papers. In this world's con- 

 ference upon a world-wide subject, the United States took its full 

 share of honors. 



It now remains for the Experiment Stations to follow up the work 

 so well begun, and remember that he who improves the plants of a 

 country improves its products and its people. 



EXPERIMENTS WITH SALAD PLANTS. 



Swiss Chard was grown in belts 4, 5 and 6, Plot IV., Series V., 

 sown early (May I3th), while two belts elsewhere (Plot II., Series 

 Y. ) were sown late (July 28th). Both sowings grew well and fur- 

 nished an abundance of the leaf stalks. The early lot was somewhat 

 affected with the leaf blight {Cercospora beticola Sacc. ), while that 

 sown late was nearly free. This verifies the results of former years, 

 that the blight does not flourish upon the late-grown plants, and 

 those who wish an abundance of a wholesome pod herb can obtain it 

 from Swiss Chard when the seed is sown in ordinary soil as late as 

 the 1st of August. Some plants that had been removed to the green- 

 house in autumn, and after furnishing leaf stalks through the winter, 

 were again taken to the field, where they made a fine early growth. 

 This test shows that the Swiss Chard is easily handled, and when 

 there is opportunity for continuing the growth indoors it can furnish 

 acceptable greens during winter. 



Some attempts were made to test this salad in the city market and 

 with reasonable success. Nearly all who used it were desirous of 

 getting more. 



Neic Zealand Spinach. — A few plants of New Zealand spinach were 

 taken from the greenhouse to the trial grounds in early spring ; else- 

 where seed was sown at the same time. The plants thrived and fur- 

 nished throughout the hottest weather an abundance of tender leaves 

 and tips of stems. While the plants from the greenhouse covered 

 the ground rapidly, those from seeds were fully as large in September. 



This is an excellent salad plant, that is worthy of attention by every 

 one with a garden and a fondness for greens throughout the season. 

 - Parsley. — Two varieties were grown in small quantity and both 

 thrived and made fine plants. It transplants readily, and the field- 

 grown plants may be treated as above mentioned for the chard. 



