POPULAR ERRORS. 



3. That crossing always gives results intermediate 

 between the varieties crossed. This is more or less 

 true when the varieties themselves come true from 

 seed, as with most kinds of wheat; but otherwise 

 the chances of obtaining any definite result by 

 crossing, are little greater than by raising ordinary 

 seedlings. 



4. That crossing always results in improvement. 

 On the contrary, the surest way, in many cases, to 

 develop a permanent and valuable variety is to 

 avoid crossing and to bring about a gradual 

 improvement of an existing variety by selection 

 alone. 



5. That the result of crossing can be seen the 

 first season. Except in the case of corn, and per- 

 haps other grains, in which the real " fruit ' or 

 covering of the seed, is but a thin skin, no change 

 is observed the first year. The seeds are crossed 

 the first year, but not the fruit or outer covering. 



6. That one parent has a greater or different 

 influence from the other. It is commonly held in 

 this country that the plant which bears the fruit 

 or seed contributes to the cross the size, form and 

 hardiness of plant, and that the one which fur- 

 nishes the pollen fixes the leading characters of its 

 fruits and flowers. This is a mistake. 



7. That crossing is a difficult process, requiring 

 a great amount of scientific skill for its successful 



