PLANT IMPROVEMENT 



153 



developed a plum which will withstand the severe cold as 

 far north as Winnepeg, a kind of alfalfa that will grow in a 

 cold climate, and many other interesting and valuable plants. 

 Reference should be made to the results achieved by the 

 U. S. Bureau of Plant Industry, in which G. W. Oliver has 

 had a prominent part, as an expert propagator. Among 



A good type of ear of corn for field selection. It is growing on 

 a vigorous plant. The ear is at the right height and has a desirable 

 angle. (Indiana Agr. Exp. Station.) 



these results are a rust-proof asparagus, improved varieties 

 of lettuce, alfalfa, cowpeas, and of many other plants. 



Improving plants by means of selection. The average 

 farmer will not have the time or experience to use the methods 

 just described to secure better plants, except the method of 

 looking out for new plants that may appear in his fields. 

 He should know about them, however, so that he may secure 

 the new plants introduced by the Bureau of Plant Industry 

 or developed by expert plant breeders, if it seems to his 

 advantage. 



