33^ MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



special hereditary characteristics of the hybrids. "Crosses do not 

 usually reproduce these kinds but often result in reversion to an- 

 cestral types, which show the forms are not readily fixed, being the 

 result of complex crosses that are for the most part infertile." 



In a paper by C. C. Hurst, entitled Notes on Mendel's Methods 

 of Plant Breeding, it is stated some of the apparent exceptions to 

 Mendel's results are probably to be attributed to the crossing of 

 species which were not constant in character, and it was stated that 

 Mendel in his experiments always chose his characters in pairs so 

 that they would be distinctly differential and capable of different rec- 

 ognition in the offspring. In the Perkins' seedlings we have a 

 very good illustration of this. The Malinda, of a peculiar type, much 

 dissimilar from the trees surrounding it, giving us a splendid ex- 

 ample of differential characteristics, and in the fruit and trees pro- 

 duced from these crosses we have some extraordinary object les- 

 sons worthy of our closest attention. 



Selection of seed is a very important point in the production of 

 healthy, vigorous seedlings of trees and plants. Next in order is 

 congenial conditions in soil fertility, moisture and clean and regular 

 cultivation, always guarding against insect pests, fungous and bac- 

 terial diseases, thereby causing a good healthy growth. A stunted, 

 neglected tree, plant or animal will never produce results like one 

 that has been fostered with intelligent care. 



In cross breeding with annual plants, much more rapid work can 

 be performed than with trees. Especially with new seedlings of fruit 

 trees it is very desirable to know what the quality of the fruit is 

 as soon as possible. That can be accomplished by using buds and 

 scions worked on other bearing trees as soon as a seedling has been 

 selected that shows desirable qualifications in growth, leaf and gen- 

 eral appearance. 



Hardiness is one of the most important factors in the cultiva- 

 tion of trees, shrubs or plants in this rigorous climate, and to guard 

 against small or greater losses all should be first experimentally 

 grown as far north as possible, "into changed seasonal, soil and 

 climatic conditions," to best test their qualifications in this particular 

 direction, often rendering worthless what are otherwise promising 

 varieties for intermediate and extreme southern cultivation. 



In purchasing new and untried varieties, the greatest degree of 

 caution should be exercised by all planters, and only a small amount 

 at first tested as to their adaptibility to your particular environment ; 

 then choose for extensive planting only such as seem adapted and 

 fully meet your required purposes. 



