3IO State Horticultural Society. 



treatment soon breaks up the fixity of type, causes the plant to "wabble" 

 out of its normal course as determined by many centuries of fierce com- 

 petition, and the seedlings from such plants soon show the cumulative 

 efifect of high culture, and remarkable variations appear. And Bur- 

 bank, above all men, is exceedingly skillful in determining these initial 

 variations, and in isolating them from their thousands of fellow seed- 

 lings. 



The number of possible combinations is so large that no one man 

 can do it all. But every one with access to fruit trees in blossom may do a 

 little of this inventive or creative work in fruits, not as a labor for gain, 

 but chiefly, if not wholly, as a labor of love, as a contribution for the 

 general welfare. Incidentally, the work will be found fascinating. In 

 case of disappointment, the poor-fruited seedling may be utilized as 

 stocks for top-grafting. In fruit seedlings we are looking for the Shaks- 

 peare of the species, so to speak, and the desired seedling may be born in 

 the humblest surroundings. 



But even with the best of good fortune in raising many seedlings, 

 it will be necessary to destroy many. Each section must do its own 

 work of originating varieties of fruit best adapted to the local condi- 

 tions. From the ashes of millions of seedlings will arise. Phoenix-like, 

 the new creations which will dominate our prairie pomology. 



■ ■ DISCUSSION. 



Secretary Goodman — We want vigor, vitality, leaf surface. In 

 crossing Ben Davis and Jonathan, which would cross on the other? 



Professor Hansen — It is a theory that we get hardiness from the 

 female and quality from the male, but I prefer to try both ways and make 

 theory afterwards. 



Q. What is there in the seedless apple? Is it a fake or a good 



thing? 



Professor Hansen — It is both.- Seedless apples go back two thou- 

 sand years. They bob up from time to time ; I have three or four myselt. 

 A seedless apple is not an impossibility. Seedless oranges were found 

 in a jungle. Six trees were brought to California. An old cow ate 

 four of them and from the two left come the seedless oranges of the 

 state. Just as well have a seedless apple as a seedless orange. At pres- 

 ent I know of no seedless apple that is of any account. 



Secretary Goodman — Several crab apples in Missouri as large as 

 Geniton apples and of delicious flavor. Would they not be a good thing 

 to use in developing new fruit? 



Professor Hansen — Think well worth trying. Take wild crabs and 

 cross .ought to give the best of results if kept at it long enough. Would 



