96 
Improvement of the Plants of the Farm. 
heavy one. In examining a large number of plots of different 
sorts of turnips in the trial-grounds of an eminent firm of seeds- 
men in August, the Pomeranian was found among the early 
sorts ; and if it be true that other varieties now surpass it, yielding 
a heavier crop in a shorter period, with the same treatment, the 
fact can easily be ascertained by the method of comparative 
trial which, in these days of new varieties and eager competi- 
tion, should be resorted to by all who would obtain the best 
sorts for their particular localities. 
The process of comparison would supply information which 
no amount of advice from counsellors residing off the farm, 
or from observation of crops in other districts could afford. 
With regard to the methods of improving turnips, cross-breed- 
ing has been and is constantly effected by the various amateurs 
and other breeders who turn their attention to such operations, 
and the results of whose labours are generally brought before the 
public by seedsmen. But selection is constantly necessary to 
maintain the purity of the breed and the original standard of 
its form, colour, and quality. Those who are engaged as 
growers for the seedsmen continually select, and the work is 
usually inspected during its progress by the seedsman himself 
or his representatives. One of the greatest of the seedsmen 
replies to one of my questions that turnips, mangolds, and cab- 
bages have been improved " by constant selection and by re- 
selection, and the production of stock-seed for the purposes of 
re-production, at infinite trouble, and frequently great outlay." 
This is no exaggeration, and the system of competition, though 
it may lead occasionally to the introduction of novelties without 
merit, will continue to secure a high degree of excellence, as 
well as the continued improvement of the plants of the farm. 
Farmers may grow turnip-seeds for themselves, and that would 
be far better, if it be done with proper care and attention, than 
purchasing inferior seed from indifferent seedsmen. Or farmers 
may conduct the business of seed-growing in co-operation, 
employing an expert to superintend the concern, to select the 
roots or grain, and to conduct the experiments in breeding. 
But the business must be well managed if a successful compe- 
tition with the leading firms of seedsmen is to be effected. 
I think it will hardly be disputed that mangolds as well as 
cabbages have been steadily improving. A great change is 
perceptible in the earliness, size, and quality of cabbages grown 
by market gardeners, and these improvements and the introduc- 
tion of the thousand-headed variety have led to the extended 
growth of cabbages in agriculture. The introduction into some 
districts of the Drumhead-cabbage, improved by Mr. Robinson, 
and of various early varieties, has been exceedingly advantageous. 
