INVENTORY OF FOREIGN SEEDS AND PLANTS. 



INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT. 



The present list concludes the importations secured by Prof. JS". E. 

 Hansen in Russia and central Asia. These are followed, in addition 

 to numerous smaller invoices, by material sent by Mr. Walter T. 

 Swingle from various parts of Europe. The results of Professor 

 Knapp's visit to Japan, and of the South American expedition of the 

 Hon. Barbour Lathrop and Mr. David G . Fairehild are scarcely reached 

 in this number, but will appear among the third thousand. 



As will be seen from the list of importations, Mr. Swingle has been 

 engaged iu a somewhat general survey of the agriculture and horticul 

 ture of France, Italy, Sicily, and Algeria, particularly with reference 

 to species or varieties not known or at least not in general use in the 

 United States. It should be remembered that while many south Euro- 

 pean and north African plants have been previously tested in the 

 United States, the experiments have been largely carried on in parts 

 of the country which did not offer the closest resemblance in climate 

 or other natural conditions. There are now experiment stations and 

 settlers in many of the more arid parts of the country, w T hich a few 

 years since were almost uninhabited, and where the Mediterranean 

 flora may be expected to thrive. 



While not so deficient as in the first inventory, it is realized that the 

 data furnished with many of our importations are still far too meager, 

 and every effort is being made to secure and send out with the seeds 

 or plants the information necessary to their proper cultivation and 

 utilization. It is, perhaps, desirable to emphasize some of the points 

 stated in the first inventory. Correspondents are, for instance, 

 requested to bear in mind that imported seeds can not be expected in 

 all cases to excel the well-known varieties. In some lines American 

 agriculture and horticulture are in advance of the rest of the world, 

 and the advantages to be expected from importations apply rather to 

 particular regions than to the country at large. It has been found, 

 for instance, that some of the varieties of forage plants and vegetables 

 obtained by Professor Hansen in central Asia were well adapted to the 

 arid west but could not compete in the more humid east, where the 

 selection of American varieties has been principally carried on. Again, 

 seed from imported stock should be carefully harvested, even if the first 

 crop is not a success. Many plants do not show their better qualities 

 during the first season under new conditions. Where the experiments 

 result favorably this Department may consider options on the purchase 

 of seeds or plants in quantity, it being desired to extend the distribution 

 of all successful novelties. 



Some of our correspondents have sent in requests for very long lists 

 of seeds. While there is no desire to limit the number which properly 

 equipped experimenters may receive, persons making such requests 



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