300 Report on the CompetittoH for Seed-Wheat, 1883. 
" 2. S. Maglia, wild on damp coasts of Chili. 
" 3. S. Commersoni, wild on lowlands of Uruguay, about 
Montevideo. 
" 4. S. cardiophyllum, wild in highlands of Central Mexico. 
" 5. S. Jamesii, wild in Rocky Mountains. 
" 6. S. oxycarpum, wild in Central Mexico. 
" All the cultivated forms owe their origin to tuherosum, but 
Darwin's plant and that experimentised by Sabine, are not 
tuberosum, but Maglia. Deterioration of potato may, no doubt, 
be traced to two sources — too much of its vitality being thrown 
into the tuber at the expense of other parts of the plant, and its 
being grown in unsuitable climates {i.e. countries damper and 
warmer than its native home). 
" There is a wide field open for further experiment in culti- 
vating species 2, 3, and 4, and hybridising them with tuberosum. 
Maglia would no doubt bear damp, and Commersoni {Olirondii) 
warmth better than No. 1. The potatoes of Jamesii and oxy- 
carpum would no doubt be too small to be of any practical use. 
J. G. Baker." 
VII. — Report on the Competition for Seed Wheat, 1883. By 
VVm. Carruthers, F.R.S., Consulting Botanist to the 
Society. 
Some years ago the Council endeavoured to direct the attention 
of seed-growers and agriculturists to the production of new 
varieties of wheat, in the hope of improving the quality and 
quantity of our wheat crops. Two sets of prizes were offered : 
one to be competed for at once, and intended to bring out any 
new varieties still in the hands of their producers ; and the 
other was deferred till the autumn of 1882, so as to give time 
and opportunity for the production of new varieties. 
The prizes were offered for distinctly new varieties, which 
should combine the largest yield of grain and straw per acre, 
with approved form and size, smooth and thin skin, full and 
white kernel, and high specific gravity in the grain, and light, 
firm, and stiff straw. 
The results of the competition in 1879-80 were published in 
the Society's 'Journal,' vol. xvii. of the second series. 
The date for sending in samples for the second competition 
was the first day of October, 1882, and there were then 
<lelivered two samples of white wheat. Each sample was 
divided into four equal portions, after a small quantity had 
