142 ANNUAL REPORT. 



The next on the program was the following paper: 



CROSS-BREEDING OF PLANTS. 

 By Geo. P. Pepper, Pewaukee, Wis. 



Plant breeding has reference to crossing, or producing new varieties from seed, 

 or originating new varieties of any species from flowering plants, or tree-fruits of 

 any kind. New varieties are constantly and naturally produced by poUenizing our 

 domestic fruits. This result may be secured when several sorts of the same species 

 are in bloom at the same time. 



We cannot depend upon seeds saved promiscously to propagate a certain variety 

 and obtain the same result secured by grafting. But if we understood how to con- 

 trol a variety, or species, and the proper manner of assisting nature by hand 

 work, (if only on a limited scale) we may produce a better fruit in respect to quality, 

 size, color or keeping merits, or all of these characteristics combined; also, at the 

 same time promote hardiness and productiveness. 



It is necessary to understand the characteristics of fruit blossoms in order to dis- 

 tinguish between those which are stamen and those which are pistil varieties. 

 Both forms are found usually in the same flower, especially on fruit trees. It is 

 necessary to cut out the stamens from the flower to be used for the female plant 

 before the large leaves spread open. The flower should then be confined within a 

 paper bag, or other proper covering, until other flowers, having stamens, and which 

 have not been disturbed, are ready to burst into full bloom, when one of these 

 should be placed in the bag, leaving but two flowers in the same bag. 



If it is desired that the new variety to be obtained shall combine hardiness and 

 thriftiness ©f tree, the female (or the flower from which the stamens have been 

 removed), must be the hardier of the two trees from which the flowers are taken. 

 If good shape or form of fruit is desired (the color will not differ greatly), the one 

 used for the male must be taken from a tree having the qualities desired; the same 

 may be said as to season of ripening, quality of fruit, flavor and productiveness. 



As soon as the air is warm enough to open the petals, or flower leaves, the 

 pollenizing is accomplished. By labeling the limb or spur by the name of the 

 staminate or male variety used, there will be no room for mistake in keeping the 

 proper record of tlie experiments made. 



By saving seeds from fruits pollenized in the manner described and planting 

 them, the product when fruiting will not vary materially from the two varieties 

 used to originate the new variety. 



In order to perpetuate a variety which is sometimes desirable, in order to secure 

 hardiness of tree and preservo the identity of the species, isolation is necessary in 

 order that the pollen from other flowers may not supply the pistils. As soon as the 

 flowers are ready to open, in order to keep them fresh until the pollen around them 

 is scattered, enclose a few bunches in a paper bag, allowing them to open within 

 the bag. Keep them confined until the flowers are fully developed before removing 

 the covering. In this way the variety may be perpetuated by preserving the seed 

 from trees treated in the manner indicated. 



Had this system of perpetuating hardy varieties been extensively practiced since 

 these Northwestern states were first settled, and varieties propagated from, which 



