110 HYBRIDIZING. 



extremity, as in the Fuschia, Geranium, Clarkia, and many others, these lobes, 

 which on the first expansion of the flower are commonly undistinguishable, diverge 

 and spread themselves towards the anthers. In some plants, especially in such 

 as have fugacious blossoms, the stigma is fit for the reception of the pollen as soon 

 as the flower has opened ; in others, not until a few hours after expansion ; and in 

 the Lilies, neither the pollen nor stigmas are fit for the operation of hybridizing 

 until after an interval of one or two days from the opening of the flower. 



3. The operation should be performed only in dry weather ; for when moistened, 

 the pollen-grains are ruptured and lose their fecundating power. This explains the 

 injurious influence of heavy rains upon many crops when in flower, as well as upon 

 fruit trees. In many plants the flowers close in wet weather, apparently with the 

 intention of preserving the pollen and stigma from injury. 



4. The actual operation of hybridizing consists simply in removing the anther, 

 or, if necessary, the entire flower from the plant with which we desire to cross 

 another species, and in applying the anther in a dry mealy condition to the stigma, 

 by bringing them into contact. Some hybridizers collect the pollen with a small 

 camel's-hair pencil, but, whenever it is possible, we advise the anthers themselves 

 to be applied, without any intermediary. As the pollen of most plants is coloured, 

 its presence upon the stigmatic surface will be easily detected. The quantity of 

 pollen necessary for the fertilization of the ovules of any plant varies exceedingly 

 in different species ; it is better, however, to use too large than too small a quantity. 

 As a general rule, it may be advisable to apply to the stigma of one species the 

 whole of the anthers of the male flower. When practicable, the anthers should not 

 only be rubbed upon the stigma, but also be inserted in the centre of the flower, 

 where the arms of the stigma will often suffice to retain them. The pollen of some 

 plants may be preserved for a considerable period, especially if kept quite dry, but 

 in practice it is advisable to apply it as soon as ripe ; though where two species, 

 which it is desired to cross, are not simultaneously in bloom, the experiment may 

 be tried of preserving the anthers between two pieces of glass until the expansion 

 of the flowers of the other species. 



The stigmas of most plants are sufficiently apparent to render any special instruc- 

 tions necessary, except in the instance of one or two plants. The stigma of the Iris 

 is sometimes quite a puzzle to the inexperienced florist; but it is, in reality, 

 as easily seen as in any other plant. If the petal-like body, usually of a vaulted 

 form, which covers over the anther, be slightly raised by its bifid lip, a thin 

 membranous ridge will be observed immediately below the lip, at the point where 

 it is, when shut, in contact with the true petal beneath it. The whole of this 

 membranous edging may perhaps act as an absorbing surface for the pollen, which 

 will generally be found upon it after the opening of the anther ; but the central 

 portion between the bifid lip is no doubt the true stigma. After the application of 



