1912.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 31. 25 



importance to judge the value of auj strains by the average of 

 the largest possible number of individuals belonging to it, and 

 if the test can be extended over a period of several years, three 

 or four at least, the estimate of value will be more dependable. 



With cross-fertilized plants it may prove best to use for 

 field seeding the first generation hybrid between certain strains 

 which are known to give desirable progeny when so crossed, and 

 repeating the same cross for succeeding years, growing only the 

 first generation of the cross as the benefits derived from cross- 

 ing tend to disappear in succeeding generations. 



We are only beginning to realize the improvement, especially 

 in yield, that may be realized by proper methods of breeding, 

 and great progress is being made in working out these methods. 

 Their general application by practical plant growers will effect 

 most substantial increase in the value of crops. It is, perhaps, 

 not too much to say that the general application in this Com- 

 monwealth of our present knowledge of breeding: would result 

 in an increase of 20 per cent, in the valne of its crops. 



It is hoped that the farmers and gardeners of Massachusetts 

 may become more interested in plant improvement, and the de- 

 partment of horticulture of the experiment station will be glad 

 to co-operate with any one desiring further information or 

 specific suggestions. 



