356 On the Improvement of the Wild Carrot. 



renovated stock, if I may so call it, something of direct utility may 

 be derived ; for example, a very robust and large race, particularly 

 appropriate to field cultivation. It is to this that I am now direct- 

 ing my attention, and I trust I may succeed. Even as a garden 

 plant, it is possible that the wild carrot may furnish some interesting 

 and good variety. Besides it is not in the light of these accessory 

 advantages, supposing they should be realized, that this experiment 

 ought to be considered, but rather in that of the general question 

 respecting the modifications and amelioration of wild plants. In- 

 deed, the study of this interesting question has been my only ob- 

 ject in the researches of which I have now given an account. 



