FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 

 OF PLANT BREEDING 



ONLY the most limited view of plant 

 breeding can be given in a chapter of 

 ordinary length. It would be necessary 

 to extend the subject through many volumes 

 to give even a general view of what has already 

 been demonstrated, and that which the clear 

 light of science has yet to bring forth from the 

 depths is too extensive even for the imagination 

 to grasp, even through a full knowledge of what 

 practical field work has already accomplished. 



The fundamental principles of plant breeding 

 are simple, and may be stated in few words; the 

 practical application of these principles demands 

 the highest and most refined efforts of which the 

 mind of man is capable, and no line of mental 

 effort promises more for the elevation, advance- 

 ment, prosperity, and happiness of the whole 

 human race. 



Every plant, animal, and planet occupies its 

 place in the order of nature by the action of 



two forces — the inherent constitutional life force 



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