236 LUTHER BURBANK 



it might escape and become a pest. This of course 

 is a danger that must be faced in the case of any 

 wild plant brought into the garden. 



But it should not be forgotten that all of our 

 present garden plants were at one time wild, and 

 that the tendency to superabundant production 

 of seed is likely to be lost when the plant is pam- 

 pered by cultivation. 



I have also worked with a very fine species of 

 Sonchus from New Zealand. It was more diffi- 

 cult to raise than the ordinary Sonchus. Possibly 

 by combining the two a plant might be developed 

 that would lack the objectionable qualities of 

 undue hardiness and prolificness. At least the 

 experiment is worth making. 



Improving the Burdock 



As to the burdock, doubtless the very mention 

 of its name suggests a highly objectionable weed. 

 And, indeed, the common burdock, as it grows by 

 the roadside, after it comes to maturity is not an 

 inviting plant. And by its objectionable burs 

 the plant is known and judged rather than by 

 any other characteristic of the plant itself. 



But there are Japanese cousins of the burdock 

 that are cultivated and have produced large and 

 rather tender stalks and also long, fat roots which 

 are highly prized as food. 



