I cannot conclude this long, and I fear tedious, letter, without adverting to the subject of agricultural seeds. To obtain in their highest perfection every plant used in agriculture is evidently an object of the first importance. How much yet remains to be done, even in vegetables the most extensively cultivated, is demonstrated by Colonel Le Couteur's experiments on wheat. That enterprising and skilful agriculturist has proved that not only the produce per acre, but the quality and quantity of flour to be obtained from a given portion of wheat, are influenced, to a degree almost incredible, by the purity of the seed; that is, by its being of superior quality, and of one and the same kind. He has also shown, in a masterly and satisfactory manner, the essential differences in yield, straw, quality, &c., among several varieties not usually known. Now, there can be no doubt, that, were the same process pursued with other vegetables, similar results would be obtained; and we should find that our commonly cultivated varieties of almost every field plant might be improved to an almost indefinite extent. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than if you, or any of your correspondents, would suggest some plan of effectually preserving the labours of such men as Colonel Le Couteur, and also of imitating his efforts by applying similar means to other vegetables. The problem seems to be, "How is pure seed of the best varieties of known plants, as well as of species yet untried, to be produced with certainty, and on a scale adapted to the wants of the farmer?" It is from, the art of horticulture, rather than from that of agriculture, that any such improvement will probably emanate. Messrs. Lawson have already furnished an important contribution, but who will continue their labours, by continuing to experiment on the most important plants in the Manual ?
