The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1886-03-18
A GREAT HUMBUG.

The seed distribution as conducted by
the agricultural department at Washing
ton is fraud. The object OF such dis
tribution is clearly defined to be ''the
promotion of the interests of Agriculture,
by introducing into the varions sections
of the country such new and valuable
products as may be adapted to the soil
and climate of each.
Such statement is sent on printed
postal card to each one receiving the
seeds. That the object is commend
able one, there is no doubt, but if the
Agricultural community depended on the
department for ''the introduction of new
and valuable products" they would be at
least 30 years behind the times. The
writer has been privileged to examine
number of these packages from the de-
partment and has failed in each instance
to find any ,aetc or at'atried variety. But,
on the contrary the old variety of "purple
top" turnip is sent out in astonishing
quantities. Referring to an old seed
catalogue issued in 1874, by leading
seed house, the purple top" turnip
appears cataiogued not even as a neaU
variety then, but rather as an old and
tried variety, adapted to all sections of
the country. In these antique collections
from the department is also found the
variety of peas called dwarf Blue I'M
perial'', this variety is also found listed
in the 1874 catalogue, referred to above
and as an old and tried sort.
Indeed, so old is this variety and of
such little value, it has long since given
way to finer and richer favored sorts,
and is listed if at all at the foot of the
seedman's list. And so the list might be
gone through, of peas, beans, corn, beet,
Sorghum seed, not forgetting the much
despised sunhower. Bear in mind, the
varieties named as well as the many
space will not permit naming, have been
offered, illustrated and described in over
-cOO oihClCAb sCSo oSdlcl . CdldlORu6S
for many years. 1t would seem as if the
varieties could no longer be called "new"
and that by this time they ought to be
introduced.
Seed dealers throughout the country,
in their seed catalogues, devote con-
siderable space to the description of new
and valuable products, which they are
Introducing. What would be thought
OF that scotsman, who would catalogue
among these nea0 novelties, the "purple
top turnip or dwarf Blue Imperial"
pea. The fact is that the seed trade of
this country is we'll represented. Seed
men are constantly sending out new
varieties and not until the country is
quite we'll supplied can the department
secure them. Again, congressman pre-
fer the old and standard sorts for their
constituents use, and many depend upon
their congressman for their supply of
seeds for their family gardens. 1t is
cheap way of "getting solid" with their
constituents.
Twentysix years ago, the first appro-
priation was made of $1,000 and 80, 200
packages distributed. Last year, the
appropriation amounted to 100000 and
the estimated number of packages dis
tributed, 100000. The list includes of
vegetable and flower seeds, 563, 63S
packages, of flower seeds 425, 95e pack
ages, of turnip and SO on through the
list. While the poor, despised sunfower
is not forgotten, sos packages being
givenaway. La the distribution of seeds,
senators and representatives are entitled
to { of the seed distributed, the other
the department distributes among the
agricultural colleges, experimental stat
ions, state agents, statistical correspond
ents and the public generally.
1t is to De doubted whether the depart.
ment can ever do effective work in dis
tributing and introducing new seeds.
With so many energetic seed dealers,
who stand ready to introduce each new
variety that the vegetable Psychologist
may offer. At the same time, if it con-
cludes to continue, it ought to adhere to
its original purpose and not do as il has
been doing mainly, for long time, viz
giving to favored few their annual sup
ply of garden seeds.
ALBERT LANDBKTH.