CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 365 



grown in California, Colorado, New Jersey and in some 

 parts of the South. 



The importance of high-grade seed cannot be overesti- 

 mated. Vigor of plant, disease resistance, productive- 

 ness, quality and uniformity in all respects depend 

 largely upon the skill in selecting seed. The most ap- 

 proved and scientific methods must be employed if ad- 

 vancement is to be made. There will be little or no 

 progress if simply the best specimens are kept for seed 

 without regard to the character or fruiting qualities of 

 the plant from which they have been taken. The entire 

 plant with its product must be considered as the unit. 



FIG. 87. IDEAL NETTING ON NETTED 

 GEM MUSKMELON 



Hundreds of growers select and save their own seed 

 and the practice is commendable if the work is done with 

 care and intelligence. There is no reason why the grow- 

 ers of any given section should not unite and work to- 

 gether for the improvement of the variety best adapted 

 to local conditions. It would mean greater uniformity in 

 the product marketed and, therefore, higher prices, 

 readier sales and increased demands. 



