19 



the quality of the sample that should be planted. These kernels were then 

 sown out at definite distances apart by means of the so-called "marker" 

 which consisted of boards fastened together to make a panel about 1.50 m. 

 (59") long by about 0.50 m. (19^-") wide. This was pierced with holes about 

 f" in diameter arranged in rows placed 10 c.m. (4") apart while the holes in 

 each row were 7 c.m. (2.7") apart. These distances were changed in later 

 years to 15 c.m. (5. 9") and 5 c.m. (2") respectively. By thrusting a steel 

 punch (Stampel) through the openings in the board, holes of a certain depth 

 were made in the soil, into each of which a single seed was dropped. By this 

 method not only were the resulting plants allowed to develop evenly, but 

 a study of single plants was facilitated. The adoption of this method of plant- 

 ing having for its aim the reproduction of normal conditions, marked a radical 

 departure from that commonly used by Hallet, Rimpau and many other 

 breeders at that time who planted very thinly, thus allowing an abnormal 

 development. A second departure from the common rule was made in the 

 choice of location for the special plots. Contrary to the custom of the above 

 mentioned breeders who continually sought for locations having extreme 

 fertility, the Svalof practice was to use only fields which were normally rich 

 and which were in proper place in the rotation. 



The Swedish system, which was regulated and controlled by a most 

 exacting mechanical system prosecuted in the laboratory, gradually attained 

 a high state of development under the direction of Th. Von Neergaard, a 

 German mathematician and chemist, who had been appointed leader of the 

 work shortly after the Association was organized. Neergaard had a wonder- 

 fully keen, mathematical mind and during his regime some ingenious instru- 

 ments were devised and a fine system of measuring, weighing and recording 

 both plants and seed was employed. The aim at this time was to exclude the 

 personal element as far as possible and to accept as far as circumstances 

 would permit, the mechanical evidences of superiority. 



The first choice of plants was made in the field, the rule being to select 

 only plants which were uniform in length of straw and in general develop- 

 ment. Care was also taken to select only those plants which did not produce 

 more than three stalks per plant, the idea being that such plants were likely 

 to develop more evenly, to yield better and to give a product of better quality. 

 Experience soon showed however, that the degree of stooling could not be 

 taken as a sure indication of the value of a sort ; it was only suggestive. 



The plants which were chosen from the " elites " were pulled up by the 

 roots, taken to the building and subjected to the searching mechanical 

 examination to which we have already alluded. On the basis of this exami- 

 nation the final choice of seed for new " elites " was made. 



A closer study of the characters which this laboratory examination took Early 

 into consideration is interesting. In the first place a selection had to be Laboratory 

 made of the plants brought from the fields. This choice was based on the Studies. 

 average quality and yield of grain per plant, together with the nature of 

 certain botanical characters which were believed to characterize certain 

 groups or types. 



A discrimination was next made between the heads or panicles of the 

 chosen plants. Only heads or panicles from the main stems of each plant 



