120 THE SOILS AND CROPS OF THE FARM. 



The first three characteristics are probably the 

 most important and it will be seen that a classifica- 

 tion according to these three characteristics would 

 make eight groups, thus: — 



.Bearded ^ «'"-- -^"^ I ie^^ wh' teZ| 



''' *■ • • • I ( Glnmes white. . ] |«"y ^.^..^-f 



Ueardless.] ierr^ ^d =? 



Different varieties coming in any one of these 

 groups will usually resemble each other very closely 

 and need to be subjected to a rigid test to determine 

 their right to be called separate varieties. Varieties 

 with red berries and white glumes without beards 

 seem to be the most common. It has been pretty 

 conclusively demonstrated that there is practically no 

 difference in yield between red or white, or bearded 

 or smooth wheat. 



Starting with any good variety, the important 

 thing is by cultivation and careful selection of seed to 

 keep the variety from deteriorating and, if possible, 

 to improve it. The evidence is universal that, for 

 want of careful selection and proper cultivation, any 

 pure variety of wheat will in a few years after its in- 

 troduction become comparatively worthless. It is a 

 popular belief among farmers that a variety "runs 

 out," becomes gradually poorer, when grown contin- 

 uously on the same land or in the same locality for a 

 number of years ; and that a change of seed is essen- 

 tial — at least beneficial. While this is possible the 

 effect of the change of seed must bo slight as com- 

 pared with intelligent, methodical selection. The 

 benefit that a farmer usually derives from a change 



