NEW VARIETIES GF WHEAT 



139 



Figure 54. — Diagram 



fanning mill, 



one in which both are used. With a mill using both methods, 

 the heavy and light kernels of wheat can be separated; 

 the heavy kernels can then be run over a screen of 

 the proper size so that- the smaller ones will be taken out 

 and only the larger ones left for seed. In this comparatively 

 easy way the very best seed grain can be obtained. 



It is known that in a herd 

 of cattle some individuals are 

 superior to others. It is as 

 reasonable to expect that in a 

 large number of wheat plants 

 or wheat kernels the same 

 variation will be found. 

 Careful observation of a 

 handful of wheat will con- 

 vince one of this fact. It is 

 probable that in the field 

 where thousands of individual 

 kernels are sown, some of 

 them will be better adapted 



to the soil and other conditions than others. Those best 

 adapted will naturally make the most perfect growth, and will 

 accordingly produce the most perfect kernels. If the most 

 perfect kernels are graded out by means of a fanning mill, as 

 suggested, then seed from the individual plants best adapted 

 to the field and climatic conditions is obtained. Thus one 

 may easily and rapidly grade seed and maintain it at a high 

 standard, or even improve it. 



Seed wheat, cleaned and graded as just suggested and 

 then treated for smut (Section 196, c), is good seed to sow. 



178. Obtaining New Varieties. It is often desirable to 

 obtain new and improved varieties of grain. The main part 

 of the crop, however, should be sown with seed graded from 

 home-grown stock, and any new and promising variety 

 tried in a small way for at least two years, in comparison 



showing a method of grading seed grain, 

 the " 

 htgra 

 left; the heavier grain falls on screen 3, 



The wind blast from the fan at the right 

 blows the chaff and light grain out at the 



through which the smaller kernels fall, 

 leaving the large, heavy kernels for seed. 



