St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1896-02-16

there, is therefore but Of little value
anyway, and is being scattered about
as a sop to the constituents Of the
different senators and congressman.
This practice was discontinued about
a year ago, and has caused some unfa-
vorable comment.
Since then some seed has been sent
out through the country, but Mime
sofa men say Of their own knowledge
that the distribution has been anything
but intelligent, and that Texas seeds
have reached here, and vice versa.
They insist that the only practicable
plan is the distribution of what seed
is available through the experimental
stations in the various states, which
can, in turn, keep the needs of the
farmers supplied. To this end letters
have been written to the Minnesota
senators and congressman urging their
assistance, and this week vice chair
man and agriculturist of the Mime
sofa experimental station has. sent out
the following circular letter to the ex-
perimental stations in other states,
hoping that by their cooperation the
gamers by any sensible plan may get
what seed they need from the gov
eminent, and get it in good condition
and by some organized system:
experiment Station, ST. Anthony Park,
MIMI, FEB. z, 1896.-Dear Sir: Minnesota
senator informs me that there is a move
ment on loot in congress to force the secre-
tary or agriculture to- continue the old plan
OF seed distribution: While this may be
III iyS hora MI
sofa that far more desirable plan SO far
as this state is concerned, would be to have
the distribution of money ordinarily spent
Tor seed distribution by the United States
government turned over to the experiment
stations of the various states.s In Minnesota
we are doing large amount of seed breed
Ing and developing new varieties of seeds
procured from various sources or from our
so-called field crop nursery, where we are
originating new kinds. The work of the ex-
pertinent station in other lines so thoroughly
takes up the available money that the
amount we are able to use in this way is
limited. If we could have Minnesota's share
OF the money spent by the department of
agriculture we could do this state far more
good than has been done by the said de-
partment, both in originating new varieties
and in the distribution of the best new
seeds.
We have varieties of corn wheat field
peas, and even of timothy, as well as of
berries and tree fruits, which we think are
going to be of value to the state, and with
we could doubtless gradually raise the yields
of these crops. We are certainly going to do
some of this work anyway, and we are very
anxious to get some means with which to
press 1t along.
That better seeds are needed all will agree
II the department of agriculture can plan
better methods than the experiment stations
there might be some reason for concentrating
the work in the department. believe how
ever, if this work were put in the hands of
the experiment stations that one or two
men in each station would become special
lists in the line of what varieties are best
adapted to their state and how to improve
varieties and distribute them. and that the
money would pay for itself many times over
Congress is now in the midst of the dis
cussion OF what is to be done with the seed
distribution. I believe that if the general
sentiment were expressed by the experiment
stations that they would gladly undertake
work along this line, that the representa-
ives and senator's would gladly provide
means with which to do the work.
understand that in some Southern states
considerable work has been done with cotton.
Prof Biount did considerable work in Color
ADO IN producing new kinds of wheat and
several other men have done more or less
work along this line. The Canadian experi
ment farms, for example are doing much
10 dlstribute grains and grasses, part of which
are OF their own originating, throughout that
country. California station has made q sue
cess OF seed and plant distribution.
Such work as Prof. Budd has been doing in
originating new varieties of apples plums
cherries. etc., for the Northwest is worthy of
encouragement and extension Numerous ex-
per1menters have done more or less with to-
matoes and other vegetables Our station has
zone some work on small fruits as well as