148 ON HYBRIDIZING. 



the pollen of the one to the stigma of the other ; this may be done in 

 various ways ; either by bringing the flowers in contact, or by trans- 

 ferring tbe pollen on the point of a fine camel-hair pencil ; for various 

 reasons we prefer the former way when carefully done. After the 

 operation is performed, which may be done two or three times to 

 make sure, it is important that no contact with any other flower be 

 permitted, either by flies, bees, or otherwise ; to prevent that, we 

 advise a covering of very thin gauze, or other similar materials, until 

 the petals have faded, then to be discontinued. The plant must all 

 the while be in such a situation as light, air, &c. will have free access, 

 and due attention to watering, so as to keep it in full health. 



In trying to gain a flower to the garden, it in general holds good, 

 that seedlings from crossed flowers assume more of the blossom of 

 the male plant, and in general character and hardiness the features of 

 the mother, or seed plant, prevail ; that is worth recollecting, when 

 endeavours to produce the inflorescence of an exotic to stand our 

 climate is the object of crossing. The above rule will also apply i 

 the case of plants of bad habit, as many fine flowers often turn out. 

 By attention and perseverance the flowers of a plant of had habit may- 

 be transferred to one of the same family of fine habit, by impreg- 

 nating the one of fine habit with pollen from the one of bad habit. 

 The exact flower, in form and colour, may not be produced, but a 

 near approach may, and often does turn out, and very frequently 

 something much superior. 



Now will be a good time to cross the many varieties of the cal- 

 ceolarias, some of the best shrubby ones may be impregnated with 

 the finest formed and marked of the herbaceous ones, as they are not 

 only more easily kept, but with good management make finer speci- 

 mens, and the herbaceous and shrubby ones cross quite freely. 

 Fuchsias may now be done also, operating with those having flowers 

 of the largest size, of very clear distinct colours, and marked con- 

 trast. We would recommend the amateur to cross many of his 

 perennials of distinct and opposite colours, such as Phloxes, Mimulis, 

 Pentstemons, &c. ; we need not mention Geraniums, Roses, Bouvar- 

 dias, &c. However, in following this art, the amateur should be in 

 possession of the standards of perfection for the different flowers as 

 laid down, and acknowledged by the leaders in floral cultivation, so 

 as he may be able to judge as to the relative value of flowers; other- 



