LUTHER BURBANK 



Presumably this could be done by careful selec- 

 tion. 



My more recent experiments have to do with 

 the general improvement of the marigolds, ana I 

 am also experimenting with a new species from 

 Chile with reference to its possible value as a pot- 

 herb for its fragrance and flavor. It is a tall, slen- 

 der shrub with innumerable pale, straw-yellow 

 flowers almost white. Like one or two other spe- 

 cies of the genus it has a most delightful fragrance 

 and flavor. As regards quality and intensity of 

 flavor, it surpasses all others, but it apparently has 

 no other merit. Whether it will prove of sufficient 

 value for introduction in the vegetable garden is 

 still problematical. 



A much less familiar member of the composite 

 family which, however, has gained rapidly in pop- 

 ularity in recent years is the plant known as cos- 

 mos. This is a Mexican species that is now making 

 its way into the flower gardens everywhere. It is 

 related to the plant known as the black dahlia 

 (Bidens astrosangiiinea) botanically, yet the rela- 

 tionship is not so close that the two can be com- 

 bined, at least I have not been able to effect 

 crossing between them. 



A peculiarity of the cosmos, due doubtless to 

 its recent importation from a sub-tropical region, 

 is its habit of blooming very late in the autumn. 



[178] 



