CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 365 
grown in California, Colorado, New Jersey and in some 
parts of the South. 
The importance of high-grade seed cannot he overesti- 
mated. Vigor of plant, disease resistance, productive- 
ness, quality and uniformity in all respects depend 
largely upon the skill in selecting seed. The most ap- 
proved and scientific methods must be employed if ad- 
vancement is to be made. There will be little or no 
progress if simply the best specimens are kept for seed 
without regard to the character or fruiting qualities of 
the plant from which they have been taken. The entire 
plant with its product must be considered as the unit. 
FIG. 87. IDEAL NETTING ON NETTED 
GEM MUSK MELON 
Hundreds of growers select and save their own seed 
and the practice is commendable if the work is done with 
care and intelligence. There is no reason why the grow- 
ers of any given section should not unite and work to- 
gether for the improvement of the variety best adapted 
to local conditions. It would mean greater uniformity in 
the product marketed and, therefore, higher prices 
readier sales and increased demands. 
