582 GARDEN MAXAGEME>rT. 



1839. Having chosen suitable varieties for experimenting upon, and 

 decided the several questions which bear upon the object of the operation^ 

 such as the qualities to be obtained from each parent, bearing in mind that 

 colour is supposed to belong to the female and foliage and habit to the male 

 (although this seems founded on very doubtful and varying facts), " they 

 should be planted," IVIr. Paul says, "in the sunniest spot in the garden, 

 in a soil not too rich, for this promotes a vegetation too vigorous for the 

 perfect development of the seeds. In pruning, the branches should not be 

 shortened very closely ; while growing, the soil ought to be hoed occasionally 

 during spring, and watered in dry weather, caterpillars sought by hand, and 

 aphis got rid of by sjTinging with soot or tobacco-water. As the flower-buds 

 increase in size, secure a good portion of the earhest and boldest buds,, but 

 not all ; leave some in different stages of forwardness, and remove all buds 

 forming imperfectly, or in places where the branches will shade them." 



1840. Having selected the plant to be impregnated, as well as that from 

 ■which the pollen is to be taken, and having removed the stigma ot the 

 female flower with a pair of round-pointed scissors, just as the flowers begin 

 to expand, both flowers being in a fit state for the operation, the flower of 

 the male parent is brought just over the seed-bearing tree. If the weather 

 is calm, the petals of the former are cut away, the operator holds a finger 

 over the flower of the latter, while the tree deprived of its petals is struck 

 a sharp blow. This sudden shock drives the pollen into the other flower, 

 and the work is done. When the wind is high, it is better to collect the 

 pollen on a camel-hair pencil, and convey it to the styles of the female 

 flower. It is of much importance that both plants are grown in the same 

 temperature. When the stigma is in a fit state for fertilizing, it is indicated 

 by a viscous exudation of the sutures of the stigma ; when this is the case, no- 

 time should be lost in completing the operation. 



1841. When the flowers have disappeared, and the seed-pods begin toswell 

 and ripen, they should be protected from birds ; at the same time the pods 

 sheuld remain on the trees till perfectly ripe, and even turning black, when 

 they should be gathered and buried in the earth, either in pots or in the 

 grovmd, taking care that proper numbers are attached to them, so that ttiere 

 may be no doubt as to the origin of the expected progeny. 



1842. Before sowing, the operation of cleaning the seeds is performed by 

 rubbing them out between the hands, preparatory to sowing in February or 

 March. So soon as the seed-pods are broken up, lay the seeds out in the sun 

 to dry, so that the pulp and husk may be entirely removed, and the seeds 

 sifted and winnowed, when they are ready fqr sowing. Others prefer sowing 

 the seed immediately on its reaching maturity, and this M. Boitard considers 

 the best plan. In this case they come up the following spring, with all tha 

 fine growing season before them. 



1843. The hardier kinds may be sown in the open borders, selecting a 

 sunny sheltered spot, with an eastern aspect, and sheltered from the after- 

 noon sun, for the beds : the more tender varieties require a frame and glas&. 



