91 



plots (See Fig. 17) and may be said to be intermediate between the small 

 pedigree plots and the large comparative yielding trial plots. Each strain 

 occupies two of these plots and the average grain production of the two is 

 accepted as the expression of yield. The main object of these plots is 

 to eliminate all cultures except a few perhaps three or more of the very 

 best. These are to be carried forward to the large comparative trial plots 

 which are yet to be described. 



Of these preliminary plots there are two series which are distinguished 

 on the basis of size and manner of sowing. The smaller is 4 . 50 square metres 

 in size and is planted by hand with the marker which is so regulated that 



Photo by L. H. N. 



FIG. XVIII. Preliminary trial plots of Autumn Wheat in foreground, smaller pedigree 

 plots in background, (Jan. 2, 1911.) 



exactly 600 seeds, one seed in a place, may be planted on each plot. In oats 

 and wheat this area is arranged in an oblong plot 0.75 m. X 6 m., while in 

 barley the plots are wider and shorter, viz., 3m. X 1.50 m., although the 

 total area in each case is exactly the same. The object of a special arrange- 

 ment for barley plots is to reduce the number of border plants as much as 

 possible, these having to be discarded on account of abnormal development. 

 The total product of the oat and wheat plots is cut with the scythe, 

 stocked, threshed and the yield taken. In barley, on the other hand, only 

 the sound normal plants from the inner part of the plot are taken into con- 

 sideration. These are taken up by the roots with great care, tied into bundles, 

 taken to the drying room and ultimatly to the laboratory for further study. 

 This study is conducted along the following lines : 



1. Measurement taken of longest stem of each plant (not always). 



