PLANT BREEDING IN CANADA. 141 



Crosses. Similar modifications have been observed in other cross-bred seed- 

 Hngs. What changes such enlargement of the seeds may initiate can only 

 be ascertained by following the seedlings through successive generations. 



To carry out as rapidly as possible the objects in view in this line of 

 work, which is to provide apples of useful size which will be hardy enough 

 to thrive in all the settled parts of the Canadian Northwest, the following 

 methods are being pursued : 



First. The best of the cross-bred sorts produced are being rapidly 

 propagated for distribution by budding and grafting on Pyrus baccata stocks. 



Second. A large number of seedlings will be grown from the best of 

 these fruits, when occasional instances will no doubt occur of variation 

 toward the male, which is the large fruit in the cross ; and as far as this 

 takes place further improvement in size and quality may be looked for. 



Third. By a series of second crosses the seedlings are receiving a fur- 

 ther portion of the blood of the larger fruits. How far this can be carried 

 without inducing tenderness of the trees can only be determined by experi- 

 ment. The first crosses seem to be quite as hardy as the native forms of 

 Pyrus baccata. 



By following the lines indicated there is little doubt that within a very 

 few years a number of varieties of apples will be originated possessing that 

 hardiness and quality which will commend them to the settlers in all those 

 portions of the Northwest country where ordinary apples under average con- 

 ditions cannot be grown. 



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 



In carrying out the work of cross-breeding at the Canadian Experimental 

 Farms during the past twelve years I have had able assistance from several 

 helpers. From Mr. W. T. Macoun, whose work has been chiefly in cereals ; 

 from Dr. C. E. Saunders, who has given me much help along many different 

 lines, especially in the crosses of Pyrus baccata. I have also received valuable 

 assistance in the cross-breeding of grain from Dr. A. P. Saunders. 



Some crosses in apples were made by Professor John Craig (now of Cor- 

 nell) during the years he held the position of Horticulturist at the Central 

 Experimental Farm at Ottawa. These have not yet fruited sufficiently to 

 permit of an opinion being formed as to their merits. 



Mr. W. T. Macoun, who succeeded Mr. Craig in office, has done much 

 work in the cross-breeding of apples and in growing trees from selected 

 seeds of standard sorts, with the special object of producing late keeping 

 varieties of good quality which will be hardy at Ottawa. 



To the work of Mr. H. H. Groff on the Gladioli I need only make brief 

 reference, as lovers of flowers in all parts of the continent are loud in his 

 praises, while enjoying the beauty manifest in his new productions. 



In this hasty outline of the work done in plant breeding in Canada dur- 

 ing the past forty years I trust I have succeeded in showing that many 

 useful products have already been originated by Canadian workers, and in 

 presenting some evidence of a coming harvest which is full of promise. 



The Chair: This comprehensive review of the work done in the North is before 

 the conference. 



