144 Elementary Principles of Agriculture 



of propagating seed from desirable individuals might 

 be given. The old varieties have, in many cases, been 

 crowded out by the introduction of new and better 

 forms. Special attention should be called to the Elberta 

 peach, many excellent varieties of grapes, Austin dew- 

 berry, Gonzales and other varieties of plums, Triumph 

 cotton, and other forms that have added immensely 

 to the value of the harvests of the world's staples. A 

 variety of the cowpea has been discovered that is not 

 only resistant to "wilt," but to the little worm which 

 causes the formation of knots on the roots of other 

 varieties. (Fig. 86.) 



213a. Selecting Seed Oats.* Suppose that it is desired to im- 

 prove the quality and yielding power of oats. The first question 

 to be answered is, "What quality has the oat that makes it valued? 

 For what may the oat plant be used, and what does it supply?" 

 In the South it is sown in the fall and the field is used for winter 

 grazing. It makes a crop of grain which is thrashed and the straw 

 and the grain are both used. The grain has most value so that in 

 selecting oats .we usually select for fine grain. 



Next let us find out what an oat grain is. If we carefully hull 

 an oat grain we find a hull composed of two or more pieces, and a 

 true seed. If we examine a number of large grains we shall find that 

 the large grain usually has a large seed. In selecting the seed then 

 we will select the large grain. Now secure a bundle of oats harvested 

 and bound just as they come from the fields. Let each student take 

 a dozen heads as they come, spread them out on a table and note 



*The foregoing outline of the process of selecting seed oats and suggestions 

 for testing the qualities in the plants of the progeny is given merely to illus- 

 trate the more fundamental problems of seed improvement, and the common 

 crops or garden plants. They may be carried out by any energetic boy or girl 

 in a corner of the garden with noticeable results in improving the plants. As an 

 exercise for training the mind in observation, comparison, discrimination, and 

 test of ideas, it will prove highly satisfactory to the teacher from the viewpoint 

 of culture training as well as a practical study in "the relation values." Oats 

 have been selected because they may be grown and matured during the school 

 year. Local conditions may suggest other material. Some consideration should 

 be given to the more important crops of the community, such as corn, cotton, 

 kafir corn, sugar-cane, rice, and the various kinds of fruits. 



