INTRODUCTION 15 



The production of improved forms by breeding is a line of work 

 which demands special training. This can be obtained only from 

 a study of the underlying principles of genetics. Nearly all of our 

 land grant colleges and experiment stations, as well as some 

 private seed firms, are carrying on studies in plant breeding. 

 Although these studies are yet in their infancy, results of much 

 value are being obtained. By means of accurate field experi- 

 ments carried on at research stations and with farmer codperators, 

 the experiment stations and the federal Department of Agricul- 

 ture are enabled to give accurate information regarding the better 

 varieties to grow. In the past these studies have not always 

 been made with a correct appreciation of the necessary technic. 



It is the purpose of this book to outline methods of breeding 

 in relation to the underlying principles involved, and to present 

 what are coming to be recognized as proper field methods of 

 carrying on these studies. Because the subject is a compara- 

 tively recent one, new methods of work are being constantly 

 found. It is therefore necessary to present different viewpoints 

 in order that the prospective breeder may learn why certain prac- 

 tices are giving the better results. 



