Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1900-04-11

nishes the pollen and the silk OF the
ears in the female organ. This silk is
hollow, and the pollen, falling by na-
ture upon it or placed there in cross
ing experiments, enters tho filk tubes
at the exposed end and proceeds
through to the cob, where fecunda-
tion produces the grain. When
crossing experiments are being con-
Quoted the tassel is cut from the stalk
where the new corn is desired and
the pollen from the selected stalk is
scattered upon the silk. It is GUS
tomary, however, to protect the ear,
for otherwise pollen may be brought
by the wind from adjoining rows of
corn or even from o distance aud in
terfere with tho plan. We have just
begun the corn experiments, and hope
by breeding more varieties. among
other things, to extend the northern
corn belt by producing harder varie-
ties.
"With wheat we have worked
longer, but in much the same way,
our object being not only to increase
the variety, but to produce hardy
species that will resist diseases and
certain climatic conditions. We have
worked to accomplish certain objects.
For instance, foreigners arc begin
ming to realize that our wheat is valu-
able for macarog:, and our own millers
and bakers have discovered that
wheat grown IN certain sections is
valuable for crackers. It is possible
by studying the peculiarities of diff
ferent wheat to determine that which
is best suited for different purposes,
and so we are proceeding by CROSS
breeding to improve them.
'The possibilities of plant breed
ing," continued Professor Galloway,
"seem limitless. The extent to
which improvements can be carried is
boundless. Heretofore. as I have
stated, most of the work has been
conducted by individuals without any
purpose of establishing principles.
When plant breeding is better UNDER
stood it will be possible to bring def--
mite forms of vegetable life together
ard produce any result desired. A
strange but truthful story is related
by Professor J. q. Bailey, of Cornell,
of q seed man in New York advertise
ing in his prospectus that he would
furnish his customers during the next
season bran new bean with pecu-
liar kind of pod. This nurseryman
had in his own mind decided what he
wanted. 1t had never been produced
before. He called to his assistant, an
e1pertin plant breeding, and, by draw
ing, explained the kind of bean he
desired. It was like man calling
contractor, displaying his plans aud
specifications and instructing him to
proceed and erect house. Yes, the
nurseryman had his bean, just what
he wanted, and furnished his custom
ers as he promised. !.
eff some of US plant breeders had
lived one hundred years ago we would
have been burned at the stake. There.
is man in California who makes it @
business to- produce new forms Of
plants and fruits. He decides what
he wants, breeds to produce the re-
suits desired, and when he obtains,
something possessing qualities that
will recommend it he disposes OF q
Seeding to some nurserymau and
then resumes his work for new resulta.
The nurseryman having the Seeding
possesses monopoly of that particu-
lar variety and is permitted by the
California e1perimenter to dispose OF
it as he pleases.