94 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
This method of procedure is just as important with 
every other vegetable. The grower who wants better 
seed must have well-defined ideas before attempting any 
work of breeding or selection. If the cantaloupes are too 
coarsely netted, select for fineness of markings ; if the 
cabbage lacks uniformity in time of ripening, select with 
this in view; if the onions are too fiat, deepen the bulbs 
by selecting with this idea prevailing. Many other illus- 
trations might be given. By intelligent selection it is 
possible to make improvements in size, color, form, 
flavor, texture, number of seeds, habit of growth, resist- 
ance to drouth, cold, heat and disease. Many valuable 
new varieties have been developed by the method indi- 
cated. For the average grower, selection is simpler and 
more certain of results than crossing. For this and other 
reasons, it is better for growers to attempt the improve- 
ment of old varieties rather than the creation of new ones. 
141. Commercial seed growing. — In the early days 
small lots of seed were kept for sale at grocery stores. 
As the population increased, and farming and gardening 
became more important, seed supply houses were organ- 
ized. The first houses were established in this country 
about 1820, and the first catalogs printed soon afterward. 
Numerous houses have been started in all of the large cities 
and some of them have become mammoth establishments. 
The seed business is highly specialized, requiring the 
service of experts who understand the principles of plant 
breeding. Much greater care and skill are exercised by 
some firms than by others ; the most reliable maintain 
extensive trial grounds, where the seeds are tested before 
being sold. It is a means of protecting both the dealer 
and the buyer. 
Two methods are pursued by dealers in securing the 
seed required for their trade. Most large firms own land 
on which certain seeds are grown under their direct man- 
agement. It is usual to charge higher prices for such 
