of these fundamental problems and that as a consequence the tech- 

 nique of corn-breeding will find a basis in scientific knowledge 

 quite different from the present more or less blind conflict between 

 empirical selection and the little understood injurious effects of 

 inbreeding. 



In conclusion I wish to say that the idea that in breeding maize 

 we are dealing with a large number of distinct elementary species 

 or biotypes is not presented here as a new idea, for De Vries, in his 

 little book on "Plant breeding" presents this view, and Dr. East 

 in a recent bulletin from the Connecticut Station has indicated 

 the great complexity of the corn breeder's problems owing to the 

 concurrence of these elementary species and fluctuating variations. 

 I have aimed simply to point out how my own experience in corn- 

 breeding supports the same view. I think, however, that the sug- 

 gestion here made, that continuous hybridization instead of the 

 isolation of pure strains is perhaps the proper aim of the corn breeder, 

 is new and it is this view that I wish to submit for your consideration. 



