LUTHER BURBANK 



The roots are formed in the first year partly at 

 least to supply nourishment for the development 

 of the stem and flowers and seeds in the ensuing 

 season. 



Whatever the relation between the root of the 

 horseradish and its lack of fertility, the fact 

 remains that the plant is propagated solely by 

 division, and that hence there is very little oppor- 

 tunity for the development of new varieties or the 

 improvement of old ones. Each horseradish root 

 is in effect a part of an original plant now end- 

 lessly divided, and the variation in different roots 

 depends upon conditions of cultivation or nourish- 

 ment, not upon inherent differences between the 

 different plants. 



It may chance some day that an exceptional 

 horseradish plant will produce seed, just as an 

 exceptional potato plant does from time to time. 



In that case there will doubtless be opportunity 

 to improve the horseradish somewhat as I was 

 able to improve the potato by growing plants from 

 the seed. 



But until such an exceptional seed-bearer is 

 found, we must accept the horseradish as it is, and 

 admit our powerlessness to change it markedly. 

 The Peppers 



The versatile family of Solanums, several 

 members of which have already claimed our 



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