NEW YAEIETIES. 



CLOSELY allied to the improvement of maize by 

 selection, is the introduction of new varieties by cross- 

 ing or hybridizing. Here again the analogy drawn 

 from the animal kingdom holds good, and the same 

 law by which the better qualities of two different 

 breeds of animals may be so blended in their joint off- 

 spring as to form a third, different from either, ren- 

 ders it equally possible to combine the best properties 

 of opposite sorts of maize into a new and distinct va- 

 riety superior to both of its progenitors. 



But here the principle of selection becomes more 

 than ever important. This alone can give to the new 

 hybrid that established character, or fixity of type, 

 that shall render it reliable and of permanent value. 

 " If nature be judiciously directed by art," said the 

 late John Loraine, after a series of careful experiments, 

 " such mixtures as are best suited for the purpose of 

 farmers may be introduced in every climate in this 

 country where corn is grown. And provided the de- 

 sirable properties of any of the various corns be prop- 



