LUTHER BURBANK 



space will permit the treatment which the subject 

 deserves. 



The illustration is cited here merely as one of 

 thousands, tj'pical of plant improvement, in which, 

 in order to work forward a little, we inust work 

 backward ages and ages. 



It is cited here to show that what is merely an 

 interesting theory to the mass of the world's 

 workers, becomes a definite, practical, w^orking 

 necessity to the man or woman who becomes 

 interested in plant improvement. 



It is cited here so that we may be helped to get 

 a clearer mind picture of Mr. Burbank's viewpoint 

 — of that viewpoint which, after all, has enabled 

 him to become a leader in a new line, the founder 

 of a new art — instead of remaining a nurseryman 



or gardener. 



***** 



"In my viewpoint," says Mr. Burbank, "there 

 is little that is new — little that has not been 

 discovered by others — little that has not been 

 accepted by scientists generally — little that re- 

 quires explanation to those who simply see the 

 same things that I have seen. 



"I have no new theorj'^ of evolution to offer — 

 perhaps only a few details to add to the theories 

 which have already been worked out by men of 

 science. 



[284] 



