What Varieties to Choose 195 



adaptation. It is apparent that every gardener who 

 has had experience with a variety is able to judge of 

 its merits for his particular conditions. His experi- 

 ence is a law unto him, although it may be only a 

 suggestion to his neighbor. Choice of varieties is a 

 local matter. Varieties must be tested for every pur- 

 pose and condition. They are tested by actually grow- 

 ing them under the given condition and for the given 

 purpose. 



In selecting varieties, it is well to bear in mind the 

 following points : 



(1) Have an ideal, or classify your own ideas; 

 know what kind of a variety is wanted and what 

 it is wanted for, and then select that variety which 

 seems best to satisfy the ideal. 



(2) The older the variety, as a rule, the more 

 reliable it is for general -purpose conditions. The 

 very fact that it is old indicates that it has had 

 sufficient value to enable it to persist. It may not 

 be the best, however, for some special -purpose 

 condition, for then a variety of peculiar or particular 

 attributes is desired. The shorter the description in 

 the catalogue, the greater is the probability that 

 the variety is generally useful. It is only after 

 varieties have been proved and have become staple 

 that descriptions become short and tame : they do 

 not need extravagant advertising. 



(3) Prove the novelties. New varieties are to be 

 tested, not to be grown wholesale and for the 

 general crop. The novelties are attractively adver- 

 tised : such advertising is necessary if they are to 



