1 11. K lli/.ili, nil. J KODUCT" OF A STKAWBF.UKY I'ATCH. 
PLANT BREEDING. 
There is a distinction between plant 
breeding- and propag-ating. The former 
includes systematic selection throug-h a 
series of 3'ears with the definite object of 
improving the plants in general vigor 
and fruiting stamina. 
Propagating as practiced by nursery- 
men generally is a mere multiplication 
of the variety without regard to the his- 
tory or pedigree of the plant. 
The Stock Breeder who should breed 
from anything or everything would soon 
find his herds and flocks an unprofitable 
mass of mongrels. 
Bud Variation, or the continual breed- 
ing from those which vary in the right 
direction and discarding those which 
vary in the wrong direction, must elim- 
inate weakness and give greater returns 
for labor expended. 
The Government has established ex- 
tensive and well equipped experiment 
stations in all the states for the purpose 
of carrying on experimental and scien- 
tific work, but in no case have they at- 
tempted to supply commercial growers 
with improved strains of plants. In 
looking over the country no place could 
be found -where work was being done 
along these lines. 
Having had a life interest in horticul- 
ture and fifteen years especially devoted 
to this work with most gratifying results 
I determined to provide myself with ideal 
facilities and devote my entire time to it. 
The present grounds were selected after 
a search of many weeks throughout the 
fruit belt of this state. The soil is ideal 
strawberry land on an elevated plain for 
which we have provided complete water 
works for irrigation. 
Our testing and experimental grounds 
will contain every leading- sort of small 
fruits grown in this latitude and only 
those showing' especial value will be 
catalogued. 
Visitors are cordially welcomed and 
entertained free of charge. The citj' 
hacks meet all trains and carry visitors 
free to the grounds, only a half mile 
distant. 
The city of Three Rivers is noted for 
its extensive manufactures, elegant resi- 
dences and beautiful streets and drives 
and you will find a visit both pleasant 
and profitable. The city is situated at 
the crossing of the Lake Shore & Michi- 
gan Southern and the Michigan Central 
railroads, both of which connect with the 
Belt Line railroads at Chicago, Toledo 
and Detroit, so that freight and express 
are immediately transferred to all rail- 
roads radiating from those cities, giving 
unequaled shipping facilities. 
N. B.— The title and contents of the various editions of this pamphlet have been fully copyrig-hted and nursery- 
men will be held responsible for taking' extracts in making up their catalogrues, or others in preparing papers for the 
press or horticultural meeting's. 
