The Hybrid Plums 83 



partakes of the characters of the parents to which it is 

 referred. To be sure, it is quite possible that a hybrid 

 may have sprung from two given parents and still show 

 the characters of neither. And though this would be 

 an important fact, it is entirely aside from the matter 

 of classification, and classification is of the greater im- 

 portance. So that, whatever precautions may be nec- 

 essary in studying the physiology of hybridity, the 

 characterization and classification of hybrids depends 

 on intermediateness of extrinsic characters alone. 

 Classification is, first of all, a systematic presentation 

 of apparent resemblances and differences. 



A hybrid, then, is to be classified by referring it 

 to the several species whose characters it exhibits. 

 But different hybrids of the same parentage may ex- 

 hibit their several characters in various combinations 

 or in different degrees. It is the business of the 

 pomologist to point out these different combinations 

 and degrees in his descriptions. 



One of the important questions for the plum 

 breeder, and one of the interesting ones, too, for the 

 pomologist, is, What are the limits and affinities of 

 varieties in crossing? 



It may be proper to introduce some remarks re- 

 garding the utility of the various species in hybridiz- 

 ing. It is, of course, too early to draw conclusions. 

 The following remarks partake more of the character 

 of a prophecy, — what some folks call guesswork. 



Primus domestica. — This species is comparatively diffi- 

 cult to hybridize. It may be hoped, however, that it will Rive 

 good results. The solid, meaty flesh and the freestone char- 

 acter of leading Domesticas are especially desirable for com- 

 bination with the higher flavor, better color, freer growth, and 

 other desirable qualities of native species. The writer looks 

 with especial favor upon the combination of Domestica with 

 Americana parents. 



The Damsons. — The author sees no probability of good 

 results from hybridizing the Damsons with anything. 



