PLANTS AND STOCK. II3 



lence can be attained. It is on the same principle of care- 

 ful breeding from blooded and perfect animals. From very 

 many localities come the complaint that Wilsons and other 

 fine old varieties are '' running out." How can it be other- 

 wise, in view of the treatment they receive and the careless 

 way in which they are propagated ? Even when unmixed, 

 they are usually the enfeebled children of degenerate par- 

 ents. There is no variety in the country more badly mixed 

 than the Wilson; and the trouble often arises from wild 

 strawberries creeping in among them from the edges of the 

 field. The spurious plants are taken up with the others, 

 and the mixture is scattered up and down the land. The 

 same is true with other varieties that have long been in cul- 

 tivation. Indeed, I have found mixtures in new varieties 

 obtained directly from the originators. Therefore the need 

 that the plant grower should give personal and unceasing 

 vigilance to the stock from which he propagates, and that 

 those who take a pride in improving their stock should often 

 scan their beds narrowly. Moreover, if a bed stands several 

 years in the same place, new seedlings may spring up, and 

 thus create a mixture. 



