58 LUTHER BURBANK 



have a wonderful blossom on a scrubby stem, one a grace- 

 ful long stem, but its flower would not be perfect in white- 

 ness; another would have strength and grace but lack 

 beauty. Out of this large number only those that came 

 nearest Burbank's ideal were allowed to live and bear 

 seeds. 



For eight years he patiently worked with his daisy. 

 Sometimes a blossom would measure two feet in circum- 

 ference, seven inches from tip to tip of petal. But this 

 was not selected. It would not stand in every climate 

 and grow under every condition. It lacked sturdiness of 

 petal and would not be able to withstand the bright sun 

 and the storms. He wanted a daisy that would gladden 

 the heart of a flower lover in Alaska the same as it could 

 in Florida, Norway, or Italy one that would flourish in 

 all soils and all climates. 



So from the medium-sized daisies pupils were grown 

 and regrown, the flowers being, from three to six inches in 

 diameter, for sturdy plants only would be hardy and give 

 good keeping quality to cut flowers. 



We have from these years of patient toil and constant 

 care a daisy that will thrive north of the arctic circle or 

 under the equator, and will give, on long graceful stems, 

 in abundance, flowers of snowy whiteness, from three to 

 six inches in diameter, with a large golden centre, and when 

 cut, will remain fresh from ten days to two weeks. 



This beautiful flower Burbank named the Shasta daisy, 



