IMPROVING BY SELECTION. 305 



have not closely studied them, so that farmers are not likely to 

 make experiments. This is a strong reason why the state and 

 national governments should assist agriculture in an undertaking 

 which seems so fruitful of good results within a short time, at 

 so trifling an expense. Expeditions are sent at great expense to 

 explore Polar seas, with a view to slightly extend our knowledge 

 of a barren portion of the earth's surface. Large sums are em- 

 ployed to fit up in magnificent style, and send to the remotest 

 parts of the earth, expeditions to spend a few minutes in observ- 

 ing an eclipse or a transit of Venus. Would the sending of com- 

 petent persons around the earth in search of better grasses be an 

 undertaking less praiseworthy? 



Improving by Selection. The good effects of a change of 

 seed is in many cases already enjoyed in the case of grasses and 

 clovers, as most farmers occasionally purchase their seed. A 

 change of seed means a change of soil and surroundings; and 

 these are likely to benefit the plants. 



Probably every reader believes that the following from Mas- 

 ter's Plant Life is true: 



" In a wheat field or bean crop no two plants are exactly alike; 

 one is more robust than another, one tillers more than the rest, 

 the ears of one are plumper and fuller, this one grows earlier or 

 later in spring, is therefore hardier or more tender, as the case 

 may be. The careful observer notes these points, and instead of 

 passing them over endeavors to turn them to account by select- 

 ing the plant which shows a tendency to vary, taking seed from 

 it and growing that seed another season." The best is selected, 

 the process continued. 



The shrewdest horticulturists are continually and successfully 

 following this plan. To a limited degree the general farmer does 

 the same thing. By this process, Major Hallett in five years 

 caused the length of the ears of wheat to double, their contents 

 to nearly treble, and their tillering power to increase five fold. 

 39 



