138 



THE POTATO. 



the point of a clean, dry camel-hair biTish and gently brush 

 ifc on the point of the stigma or female organ (7) that yon 

 had previously protected by means of muslin. You must, 

 however, not do this too prematurely, but wait till you 

 observe the point of the stigma covered with a viscous- 

 looking fluid. Then, and then only, the stigma is ready 

 for the nuptial rites to be performed. You then recover 

 the bloom with the muslin, and, after a day or so, fertilisa- 



SECTION OF POTATO FLOWER. 



tion will be complete, the petals will shrivel, and the tiny 

 berry will gradually develop into the familiar potato apple. 

 At the time the cross is effected affix a label to the flower 

 stalk, containing some special number or mark, which 

 should be duly recorded in your pocket book. Do not re- 

 move the muslin ; this will serve to prevent the berry when 

 ripe from falling and scattering its precious seeds. It will 



