Theory and Practice in Breeding. 185 



it seeks the widest rise of the new variety for the sake 

 of the growers and for the general good. 



The United States Department of Agriculture is 

 rapidly gaining prestige lost by the long period of weak 

 methods of seed and plant distribution. It is effect- 

 ively breeding everything from the microscopic bac- 

 terial partner of the clovers to forest trees. But its 

 work has just begun. It has only begun to chart the 

 virgin field in plant breeding. It has led the way and 

 now suggestions coming from many sides of the Bur- 

 eau of Animal Industry join the procession. 



If the world has stores of domestic or easily domes- 

 ticated animal life which we should study in its native 

 habitat, and which we should bring here and study, 

 what is to hinder? 



As our central Government grows stronger and 

 stronger, that it may cope with world problems and 

 that it may control the threatening powers within, 

 Uncle Sam is more and more ready to lead in this great 

 co-operative union, where the nation, the States, the 

 lesser organizations, the individuals, all, may co-oper- 

 ate to mutual benefit. 



The word Americanism is coming more and more 

 to stand for true co-operation of individual, commun- 

 ity, state and nation, grouping the elements of these 

 four classes of powers into whatever co-operative or- 

 ganizations private and public good demands. 



The legislative and the executive branches of the 

 Government in their foresightedness are reaching out 

 to help the people. Lest this lielp be more paternal 

 than is best the nation and the States may need to re- 

 vise their plans. Our State legislatures are not so far- 

 seeing as is the national Congress. They too often 

 have not so much the spirit of co-operation as the de- 

 sire to secure paternal assistance from the Government. 

 The strength of the States need not weaken with the 

 growth of nationalism. That the States are many 

 times less liberal in building up their agriculture, their 

 harbors and other internal affairs than is Congress is 



