32 A Change and Successioji of Crops recommended^ 



their amelioration, or as preventives of degeneracy, I 

 have always been of that opinion.* Selecting the best 

 seed from vigorous plants on the same farm, is a sub- 

 stitute for change. Indeed it may be called a change, 

 as is that of selections from the same breed of animals. 

 But I have never considered this as a decisive proof of 

 the doctrine, it is intended to support. It is an instance 

 of commendable and exemplary attention, but its result 

 would be more easily attained, by conforming to gene- 

 ral experience. The same kind of seed, sown on the 

 same farm, in soils of different textures and qualities, 

 will ameliorate. Thus sand ameliorates and recovers, 

 what in clay had degenerated ; and so vice versa. A 

 change of soil operates like a change of seed. I have 

 ameliorated wheat, and other grain and plants, taken 

 from crops in low land, on my own farm, without selec- 

 tion of the best grains, by sowing them on distant and 



* In agriculture^ a collection of practical facts only, is to 

 be depended on. Solitary instances are often deceptive, more 

 so are speculative opinions. Yet these have their use, as 

 they lead to experiment and enquiry. Sir Joseph Banks as- 

 serts, contrary to general experience, that light, or shrivelled, 

 gi'ain, v/ill produce as healthy a crop, as the best seed ! In 

 this it should seem that Sir J. Banks ^ was a mere theorist. 

 It shews, however, what opposite opinions are entertained on 

 the same subject. Mr. Joseph Cooper whose practical opi- 

 nion has great weight (though I do not entirely agree with 

 him in his conclusion, not doubting the fact he alleges) holds 

 the direct contrary doctrine. He thinks that the selection of 

 the best seed from his own crops, which is highly commend- 

 able, answers all purposes. — Sijstein may be carried too far^ 

 on both sides of this question. _ 



