THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



Ill 



luteum ; Seduru populifolium ; Sedum ru- 

 pcstre; Sedum Sieboldii; Seduin squalens; 

 Sedum telephium ; Sempervivum globosum ; 

 Silene alpestris ; Tanacetum luteum ; Tor- 

 mentilla; Trandescautia virginica ; Tussi- 

 lago Farfara varifgata ; Valeria montana ; 

 Veronica microphylla ; Veronica saxatile ; 

 Vinca minor ; Viola flore-pleno ; Viola odo- 

 rata ; Viola tricolor. 



Those of our readers who are unable to 

 obtain water for a fountain display must 

 adopt the substitution of a large pot of Pain- 



pas grass on the central base. In situations 

 where the refreshing element is needed for 

 gardening purposes, there will be no neces- 

 sity for any overflow wastepipe ; but, if de- 

 sired, it could be connected with the house 

 drain. In watching the progression of the 

 above-named plants, the contemplative mind 

 will find much to instruct and amuse. Of a 

 truth, " The works of the Lord are great," 

 both in the world of nature and the kingdom 

 of Grace. 



Edward A. Copland. 



HYBRIDISING. 



BY THOMAS LAXTON, F.H.S. 



Amosg the many delights experienced 

 by the gardener, the production of 

 new varieties, is the most fascinating, 

 and lastingly attractive, and where 

 properly directed skill and perse- 

 verance are employed, the occupation 

 will become not only highly interesting 

 and a source of profit to the cultivator, 

 hut a benefit to all. However unimpor- 

 tant the subject may seem, society, in 

 its present artistic existence, is under 

 great obligations to the Hybridiser, and 

 we must certainly not pass by his 

 claims to be considered our benefactor ; 

 it is by his exertions, with Dame Nature's 

 fostering aid, that many blessings have 

 been provided, while many more yet 

 undeveloped are to benefit the future 

 inhabitants of our crowded cities. It is 

 by the same exertions, that better and 

 more wholesome fruits are daily impe- 

 ding the course of disease, and tending 

 to its alleviation when within our 

 walls ; and if we look still further, we 

 find that by the same medium, we are 

 supplied with an increased amount of 

 improved sustenance, rendered neces- 

 sary by the advance of civilization, 

 and the multiplication of the human 

 race. Having, myself experienced 

 much enjoyment from hybridising 

 during my leisure moments, I would 

 urge upon all who seek amusement, 

 to try what they can do towards im- 

 proving and adding to the cultivated 

 occupants of our fields and gardens by 

 cross-breeding. Although much has 

 been effected, there is still a wide field 

 for operation, when we consider what 

 yet remains to be done by crossing the 

 hardy and indigenous products of our 



climate, with the more tender and 

 often more beautiful and tempting 

 varieties from the tropics ; and I would 

 ask all who are inclined to commence, 

 not to be daunted by the want of im- 

 mediate success, for, in this instance, it 

 will be found that patience is the only 

 sure road to accomplishment; nor to 

 be discouraged by the oft repeated 

 counsel of many gardening treatises to 

 amateurs, that they have but little 

 chance of improving upon the already 

 very numerous category of hybrids 

 and varieties. I say, do not let such 

 advice deter you, for with good mate- 

 rials, moderate care, and some judg- 

 ment, a pleasing, if not profitable, 

 result will be obtained. 



The principal aims of the Hybridiser 

 and cross breeder, will be, with flowers, 

 to increase their size, to improve their 

 form, and to obtain a variety of colour 

 and extension of the blooming period ; 

 with fruit, &c, to increase their bear- 

 I ing, quality, and size, to improve the 

 I flavour, to procure greater hardiness of 

 J constitution, to advance or retard 

 ' the time of ripening fruit, and to 

 extend its keeping period when 

 gathered. In order that the amateur 

 may have a fair chance of success in 

 obtaining varieties improved in any of 

 the foregoing qualities, it is advisable 

 that both the male and female flowers 

 should possess one or more of them in 

 the standard of proportion, the plant 

 to be operated upon, usually wanting 

 the qualities abounding in the male, 

 and the female having sufficient of those 

 wanting in the male. 



The terms, "Hybridising" and "cross 



