In a message dated 97-11-07 08:48:03 EST, [log in to unmask] writes: << Greetings Comrades- Does anyone out there know of seed banks, historic demonstration projects, or sites (Williamsburg??) that specialize in preserving or propagating 19th-century varieties of agricultural plants and animals? I am interested because of research I have done on icehouses from VA-NC Piedmont plantations and farms. These were used into the 20th century but I don't have much historic information on what went into the icehouses. I have seen some general references to varieties (species?) but most of the diaries and informants don't mention plants by species or variety. So, I don't know if different varieties were selected with a view toward differing preservation techniques. Also, if anyone has information which indicates that icehouses were used for anything other than household production, I would like to know that, too. Also, is anyone else out there documenting volunteer plants on historic sites and putting seeds in banks. I have seen volunteer grapes and pears on historic sites and I wonder if they are varieties that are lost today. Richard Kimmel [log in to unmask] >> Check Colorado State University in Fort Collins. I'm not sure if the Agriculture Department is who does it, but that University is the respository for natural seeds from all over the world. The bank is in place to assure the protection of natural plant species which are threatened with extinction or with severe hybridization. At least that is what I have been told. Mike Polk Sagebrush Consultants, L.L.C. Ogden, Utah