38" CULTURE OF THE GRAPE. 



ments are, however, now going forward with the hope of 

 obtaining improved kinds. As has been stated in the 

 previous chapter, a judiciously obtained hybrid, or cross 

 between two varieties of excellence, is almost certain to 

 give a seedling of good qualities. There is indeed a 

 probability, that, by combining known excellences, the 

 product may be a decided improvement upon either of 

 the parents. It is also reasonable to expect, that when 

 the seed of the best berries of the best varieties is selected, 

 even without hybridization, many of the seedlings will 

 show points of excellence. It is in this way, or, worse 

 than this, by mere chance seedlings, that most of our 

 present kinds have been obtained. And it would be 

 strange, if, by a careful selection of seed, we should not 

 arrive at much better results. This seems to be so rea- 

 sonable, that it has induced many within a few years to 

 plant seeds very extensively. In one instance within my 

 knowledge, a gentleman has thirty thousand seedlings 

 at the present time which he will test by fruiting. 

 Smaller experiments in the same direction are being tried 

 by many in all parts of the land ; and it is a course to be 

 recommended to all who have the time and interest to 

 watch results. For, if a really good seed is selected, it is 

 not probable that the product will be much inferior ; and, 



