COOPERATIVE SEED PRODUCTION. 



In view of the large expenditure of time, labor, and money neces- 

 sary to secure these seeds in the field, the difficulty of obtaining them 

 in sufficient quantity for satisfactory experimentation, and the danger 

 of losing valuable sorts entirely through insufficient care on the part 

 of experimenters to whom the seed may be sent, it seems very desir- 

 able to make some permanent arrangements with the State experi- 

 ment stations to the end that seed can be sent out in larger quantities 

 to fewer points with the direct understanding that special attention 

 be devoted to the production of seed for more general experimenta- 

 tion in the future, should the varieties prove worthy. The directors 

 of a number of experiment stations have already expressed a desire 

 to join in this work, and no doubt satisfactory arrangements could 

 be made with all those who are especially interested in securing new 

 and valuable grasses and forage crops. The first thing necessary in 

 this work is to secure enough seed to demonstrate the value and 

 adaptability of the various species. After this has been done seeds- 

 men will naturally undertake their production, and those interested 

 can secure supplies of seed through commercial sources. 



RESULTS OF THE FIELD WORK. 



As a result of the work in the field during the summer, seeds of 

 about 130 varieties of grasses and forage plants were secured. These 

 were obtained in quantities varying from 1 to 500 pounds according 

 to the desirability of the species and the difficulty of securing it. 

 The total amount collected was about 4 tons. Besides seeds, a con- 

 siderable quantity of roots were obtained for transplanting; also sev- 

 eral hundred specimens of interesting species for the herbarium or 

 exhibition purposes. 



Among the most important results of the field work is the infor- 

 mation secured by direct observation and studj r of the actual condi- 

 tions and problems to be met in the various regions, and by intercourse 

 with the stockmen and ranchmen. This intercourse brings into 

 actual touch the Department and those for whose immediate benefit 

 the work is intended, and so promotes mutual understanding and 

 profit. They come to a better understanding of the methods and 

 aims of the Department, and we come to a better knowledge o\' their 

 difficulties and needs. 



VALUE OF THE WORK AND DESIRABILITY OF ITS CONTINUANCE, 



From the experience already gained by trials of some o\' our native 

 grasses and forage plants, it has been conclusively shown that then 4 

 are great possibilities in the way of cultivation and improvement of 

 these plants, and especially of those which are natives o( the arid. 



