The Forward Movement in Plant-Breeding 305 



which is now largely given up. The group of scientists 

 at Svalof have not only shown their ability to produce 

 practical results, but they have also elaborated scientific 

 principles. 



The founding of the station at Svalof is wholly due to 

 the private initiative of a group of Swedish farmers. The 

 purpose of the association has always been to produce 

 practical results, to breed better grains for local use. 



But the station has been fortunate from the first in 

 having in its employ expert botanists whose skill has not 

 only produced many noteworthy new varieties, but who 

 have elaborated scientific principles of far-reaching im- 

 portance. These men have been given a free hand to 

 pursue their work without such distracting activities as 

 teaching, comparative field trials, commercial analyses, 

 and the like. This fact together with an unrestricted 

 organization, a well-selected program, and an expert corps 

 of assistants accounts for the wonderful success of this 

 station. 



This Swedish seed association has two groups of mem- 

 bers: those who are permanent after having paid $28 

 once for all ; and those who pay annually $1.40. 



The association has an annual budget of about $40,000 

 derived from dues of members, contributions from agri- 

 cultural associations, government aid, and sale of pedigreed 

 seed. Funds from the last two sources have increased 

 very rapidly in recent years. Gifts of various kinds 

 amounting to $77,000 have been set aside for buildings. 



Accordingly, the society now has at its disposal a large 

 and well-equipped establishment, comprising two con- 

 nected buildings serving as laboratories (Fig. 100), a house 



