Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 March 1898 — Hybrids. [ARTICLE]

Hybrids.

Great things are promised from the discovery of the English scientist, Gaston, of a new method of crossing grasses, grains and clovers by which new and surprising species are claimed to have been produced. The cross between barley and oats for Instance, It is said, results in a new and peculiar grain of permanent type, while comparatively useless plants are, by judicious crossing, made to produce valuable food substances. Probably the value of the discoveries has been overestimated by the enthusiasts who are bringing them forward. As a general rule, hybrids are more remarkable as curiosities than valuable as staple crops.