TRIAL GROUND. 141 



TRIAL GROUND. 



This is a space set apart in a field in which to test 

 stocks of different growers to see whether true or not; 

 also to make trial of new varieties to observe their 

 merits and compare with other sorts; it is a means, too, 

 for detecting fake novelties. Many large firms devote 

 considerable acreage to their trial grounds, making trial 

 of every lot of vegetable and flower seeds received in 

 store, no matter by whom grown; a systematic record 

 being kept of the trials for subsequent reference. 



The usual record book is ruled in columns, with 

 appropriate headings, as for instance, il name of vari- 

 ety," " name of grower," " date seed sown," " date of 

 maturity," " remarks." In the latter column are 

 noted "criticisms," whether observed to be true to 

 type or not, differences in type, whether improvement 

 or not, whether meritorious or not, etc. 



In the trial grounds the amount of space devoted to 

 each variety is usually a single row 12 feet in length; the 

 rows of each class (the different varieties of beet, cab- 

 bage, etc. ) being ranged alongside each other. 



The variety sown or on trial is marked by a large 

 wooden stake or label driven in at the top of the row, 

 on which has been written with indelible ink the record 

 number of the variety with its name, as for example. 

 " 128 Select Jersey Wakefield Cabbage," so that all that 

 will be necessary when results are to be noted is to turn 

 to No. 128 in the record book (which is always carried 

 along when making observations in the trial grounds), 

 find the place reserved for the variety, and with pencil 

 make the record at once in the field. 



