HOW NEW SWEET PEAS ARE RAISED 97 



being properly effected, it would be wise to apply pollen 

 again, on two or three days in succession. We have 

 little doubt, however, if the lines laid down herein be 

 carefully observed, that, well-directed efforts in the first 

 instance will prove effective. A card-label attached to a 

 string should be secured to the stalk of each flower 

 operated on, and this should give particulars of the cross 

 for future reference. Many raisers record their work in 

 this connection, in a book specially set apart for the 

 purpose. 



The advent of the Spencer and waved types of the 

 Sweet Pea has completely upset former methods of 

 cross-fertilisation. In the Eckfordian type the wings 

 and the keel overlap, enclosing securely all the organs 

 of the flower therein. In the Spencer type of the flower 

 they are comparatively open : in fact, there are many 

 instances in which the stigma protrudes from the shield 

 long before the anthers are ripe. Because of this fact, 

 it is difficult to effect cross-fertilisation ; insects, winds, 

 and other unexpected means may bring this about before 

 it is possible to deal with the flowers, and this may 

 account for the great variation in the results obtained 

 with the Spencer and other waved types, in which the 

 organs of the flower are exposed. 



It is an open question, however. Complex indeed is 

 this question ; eminent growers, many of whom have 

 given considerable attention to this matter, are widely 

 diverse in their views. Each one is able to quote 

 certain facts and authorities in his endeavour to 

 substantiate his case, and between them there is con- 

 siderable difference of opinion. Perhaps after all the 

 opinions they hold do not matter much; what we 

 want to know is, how to effect the cross-fertilisation 

 of the different varieties satisfactorily, and further, 

 how to perpetuate these newer types with greater 

 certainty. 

 G 



