HYBRIDIZING AND CROSSBREEDING 



195 



by unusual strength in that particular section in the other 

 parent. For instance, a variety possessing a poor calyx 

 should never be used except in connection with a variety 

 that never sphts. A tall, slender grower should be crossed 

 with a more bushy one. 



It has been stated that the male, or pollen parent, 

 exercises the greater influence over the color of the 



seedlings, while the 

 female, or seed par- 

 ent, dominates the 

 habit of growth. We 

 have not been able to 

 verify this, although 

 we have observed 

 carefully. For this 

 reason we frequently 

 make reverse crosses. 

 Having selected the 

 varieties that are to 

 be crossed, the first 

 thing to do is to pre- 

 pare the flower that 

 is to bear the seed. 

 This should be done 

 as soon as the petals 

 are unfolded and be- 

 fore the anthers, 

 which bear the pollen, 

 have burst open. Pull 

 out all the center petals and remove the anthers to prevent 

 self pollination. In a few days you will notice a fuzzy 

 growth along the upper part of the stigmas, of which there 

 are usually two, but frequently three, and sometimes even 



Section of a Double Carnation 



Showing Reproductive Organs 



AND Other Parts 



a, anthers; b, style; c, ovary; d, ovules 

 e and f, bracts 



