It will soon be discovered that qualities are transmitted with 
reasonable certainty; that fragrance can be added or subtracted; 
even that thorns can be removed by breeding to that end. 
How does the cunning worker who has made our vegetable gardens 
productive go. about producing a new bean? He selects out of a field 
of beans the plant nearest to his ideal and isolates it. From its seeds 
he selects again, after having pollinated the bean flowers from varieties 
which have any of the qualities he is in love with. Then he keeps on 
pollinating and planting and working, and he is always approximating 
toward his result. 
In the 1920 American Rose Annual, Captain Thomas will tell how 
he has produced the most encouraging results yet attained toward the 
hardy everblooming climber we all hope for. He did it by starting 
with an ideal, and using all means toward that ideal, discarding those 
that failed and retaining those that succeeded. 
If I knew anything about the science of genetics I might put in 
here some very long words. Fortunately I am free from that knowl- 
edge, and therefore free from the disposition! I can properly say to 
the rose-loving women of the Gasden Club that any one of them who 
is willing to give some thoughtful time in previous study and prepara- 
tion and some more very delightful time in the necessary breeding 
when roses bloom, is likely to have an experience she will never forget 
— that of seeing come into bloom a new creation in a rose for the 
qualities of which she is individually responsible. A woman can best 
understand this joy, I tliink, and I should believe that she would go 
about the breeding of roses as reverently and joyously as modern 
\merican women approach the function of motherhood. 
The Dahlia 
Various Experiences and Suggestions 
During the long period when no Bulletin was issued a number 
of articles on the Dahlia accumulated. Since these come from various 
parts of the country and differ in many points it would seem interest- 
ing and useful to print them all. This it is impossible to do in their 
entirety, so each has been cut somewhat in its less practical details or 
where all three repeat details. Nothing of importance has been left 
out entirely, but in some cases one article has been allowed to speak 
for all. The editor begs the forgiveness of the various writers and 
hopes that the arrangement made will meet with their understanding 
and approval. 
