|
Martin Hope
Sutton
by Walter F. Giles
 Martin
Hope Sutton was born (in 1815) at Reading, England, the son of a corn
factor and miller. From very early days he found his recreation in
studying works on botany, and before the development of the railroads
spent much of his leisure time in walking tours to visit famous gardens
and nursery grounds within reach of his home. Later on he was able to
extend these visits to greater distances, finally visiting some of the
most interesting gardens on the continent of Europe.
His parents hoped he would adopt a
profession, but his inclinations were strongly in favor of a business
career, and being keenly interested in the improvement of plants, the
knowledge he had gained in his travels inspired the idea of starting an
experimental ground at Reading. Consequently at the age of twenty-two he
commenced practical work in plant improvement, joining his father's old
established business, and added to it the branch which was afterwards
destined to play so important a part in the development of agriculture
and horticulture.
The disastrous Irish potato famine in 1847
was one of the first means of focusing attention on the improvements
which he had effected in selecting and adapting vegetables and plants
for food. Public men of the day realized the value of his labors and the
substitutes he suggested for the devastated potato crop, which by their
quick growth would mitigate the severity of the famine, were at once
accepted by the government.
The study of grasses under their natural
conditions possessed a strong fascination for Mr. Sutton, and when,
owing to agricultural depression, many thousands of acres were laid down
to grass in England, he was able to apply his knowledge in recommending
prescriptions which would be suitable for all kinds of soils. Previously
the only grass seeds generally procurable were the sweepings of hay
lofts, usually consisting of worthless grasses, weeds, and the immature
seeds of good varieties. In 1861 he contributed to the Journal of the
Royal Agricultural Society of England an article on "Permanent
Pastures." This was reprinted by desire, and since its enlargement by
his eldest son, Mr. Martin J. Sutton, has passed through several
editions, and is now one of the standard works on grasses.
Martin Hope Sutton had five sons, three of
whom joined their father in his work of plant improvement. Upon the
foundation already laid they were able to greatly extend the work, with
the result that they have brought into commerce many new and improved
types of roots, vegetables, and flowers, and their achievements are
known practically throughout the world.
The Golden Tankard mangel, so highly
esteemed by almost all dairy farmers, was introduced in 1872 and because
of its high feeding value, it was awarded a gold medal by the Highland
Agricultural Society in 1873. In 1876 the Magnum Bonum potato was
brought out, so well known as the pioneer of all the disease-resisting
varieties of the present day. For combining the very important factor of
earliness with the large podded types, the name of the Marrowfat peas
stands in the front rank.
Many new types of flowers had their origin
in experiments carried out by the Suttons. The pure white Gloxinia "Her
Majesty" was produced by selection and reselection, the elimination of
the pink shades in the type worked upon taking some fourteen or fifteen
years. The "Duchess" type of Primula was a distinct break, resulting
from a cross between a dark crimson flower and a blush type. It is
acknowledged to be the most distinct Primula sinensis yet
introduced, and was given an award of merit by the Royal Horticultural
Society. The origin of the single tuberous rooted Begonia (Reading
Beauty strain) dates from 1878. Begonia Pearcei (yellow) was crossed
with Moonshine (small white). By crossing the hybrids, scarlet, coral,
rose, bronze, cream, white, and many other shades of blooms have been
produced; but whereas in 1880 the flowers averaged only 3 to 4 inches
across, by continued selection they have been so improved as to attain
to 6 or 8 inches in diameter.
Mr. Sutton's work was on many occasions
recognized by the royal family. Her Majesty Queen Victoria was always
very gracious to him, and at the annual shows, in which the Prince
Consort was specially interested, Mr. Sutton was one of those appointed
to accompany the Queen and explain the most interesting exhibits. He
also had the honor of personally receiving at Reading the late King
Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, who sent kindest congratulations to
him on the attainment of his eighty-second birthday.
Mr. Sutton took a great interest in
religious and philanthropic work, and many societies besides those in
his native town benefited by his advice and generosity.
He was in his eighty-seventh year when he
died (in 1901), and the work which he commenced, and which has for many
years been continued by his sons, is now carried on by his sons and
grandsons, each of whom specializes in a particular branch of the
business.
Source: "The
American Breeders Magazine," 1912, Vol. III, Issue No. 1, pages 3-5.
|
