TRIAL GROUND. 141 
TRIAL GROUND. 
This is a space set apart in a field in which to test 
stocks of different growers to see whether true or not; 
also to make trial of new varieties to observe their 
merits and compare with other sorts; it is a means, too, 
for detecting fake novelties. Many large firms devote 
considerable acreage to their trial grounds, making trial 
of every lot of vegetable and flower seeds received in 
store, no matter by whom grown; a systematic record 
being kept of the trials for subsequent reference. 
The usual record book is ruled in columns, with 
appropriate headings, as for instance, ‘‘name of vari- 
ety,’ ‘‘name of grower,’’ ‘‘ date seed sown,’’ ‘‘ date of 
maturity,’’ ‘‘remarks.’? In the latter column are 
noted ‘‘criticisms,’’ whether observed to be true to 
type or not, differences in type, whether improvement 
or not, whether meritorious or not, etc. 
In the trial grounds the amount of space devoted to 
each variety is usually a single row 12 feet in length; the 
rows of each class (the different varieties of beet, cab- 
bage, etc.) being ranged alongside each other. 
The variety sown or on trial is marked by a large 
wooden stake or label driven in at the top of the row, 
on which has been written with indelible ink the record 
number of the variety with its name, as for example. 
‘128 Select Jersey Wakefield Cabbage,’’ so that all that 
will be necessary when results are to be noted is to turn 
to No. 128 in the record book (which is always carried 
along when making observations in the trial grounds), 
find the place reserved for the variety, and with pencil 
make the record at once in the field. 
