LUTHER BURBANK 
space will permit the treatment which the subject 
deserves. 
The illustration is cited here merely as one of 
thousands, typical of plant improvement, in which, 
in order to work forward a little, we must work 
backward ages and ages. 
It is cited here to show that what is merely an 
interesting theory to the mass of the world’s 
workers, becomes a definite, practical, working 
necessity to the man or woman who becomes 
interested in plant improvement. 
It is cited here so that we may be helped to get 
a clearer mind picture of Mr. Burbank’s viewpoint 
—of that viewpoint which, after all, has enabled 
him to become a leader in a new line, the founder 
of a new art—instead of remaining a nurseryman 
or gardener. 
“In my viewpoint,” says Mr. Burbank, “there 
is little that is new —little that has not been 
discovered by others — little that has not been 
accepted by scientists generally—little that re- 
quires explanation to those who simply see the 
same things that I have seen. 
“T have no new theory of evolution to offer— 
perhaps only a few details to add to the theories 
which have already been worked out by men of 
science. 
[284] 
