66 



THE CEREALS IN AMERICA 



A Study of Artificial Hybrids. 



Graphic expression of the results of an experiment in 

 developing from a single hybrid plant No. 1814 (pro- 

 duced by crossing a plant of Fife with one of Blue 

 Stem), two varieties, one having smooth and the other 

 hairy chaff. (After Hays.) 



Since wheat hybrids naturally self-pollinate, it w aid be ex- 

 pected that they would follow the same law, and SpiL.-ian founc 



this to be the case. 

 Hays reduced some 

 hybrids to uniform 

 type in four genera- 

 tions. His hybrid 

 varieties based on 

 single mother plants 

 of the fourth genera- 

 tion breed true to 

 the botanical types 

 of the mother plant. 

 Whether the corre- 

 lated characteristics combined in making up the unit of higher 

 value per acre will continue their united excellence has been 

 questioned. Hays' experience indicates that at least a part of 

 the hybrids which show most vigor in value per acre during the 

 first several years after the hybrids are formed will continue to 

 yield well of good grain. Mendel's results add assurance to the 

 hope that at least part of the complex compound of characters 

 formed in producing a lot of wheat hybrids will remain stable. 

 Hybrids made by Saunders, Hays and others and widely dis- 

 tributed retain their characteristics apparently unchanged. 



108. Method of Finding and Testing New Strains or Varieties. 

 — The methods of improving wheat by experiment and seed sta- 

 tions now recognize the individual wheat plant as the unit from 

 which selections are made. From whatever source the seed is 



