CHOICE AND IMPROVEMENT OF CROPS. 101 



It is not alone the character of the seed but of the 

 whole plant that may be affected by selection. Selec- 

 tion simply with reference to the size or shape or color 

 of the seed is faulty. The character of the plant pro- 

 ducing the seed should also be determined. Selection 

 before or at the time of harvesting is wiser than se- 

 lection from the granary. In this way the size, form, 

 time of maturing, and prolificacy of the plant may be 

 determined. 



Good cultivation will tend to improve varieties; at 

 least tend to prevent deterioration. Thick or thin 

 seeding has a marked effect on the quantity of seed 

 produced. The best varieties may become poor if 

 given poor treatment. 



The production of new varieties by cross-fertiliza- 

 tion may unite good qualities of both or secure im- 

 provement. Sometimes greater vigor of plant or pro- 

 ductiveness is thus secured. Occasional production of 

 new varieties of potatoes from the seed seems almost 

 essential. Sometimes a single plant of grain, grass, 

 clover or other crop may, from some unknown cause, 

 present some desirable quality in unusual degree. 

 Selection of seed from such a plant is not "small 

 business." It may prove a profitable step. Some 

 widely famous varieties of grain had their origin in 

 this way. 



A definite idea of what is wanted, careful and per- 

 sistent selection with reference to the possession of the 

 desired qualities, and then good cultivation, is often 

 a wiser method of getting good varieties of farm crops 

 than purchasing new varieties from a distance and at 

 high prices, 



