'^'4 PRODUCTION OP NEW VARIETIES. 



the desired qualities or combination of qualities. In like manner 

 the producer of new varieties of fruits studies the laws of vege- 

 table reproduction, and by skilfully directing their operations 

 produces a new variety of fruit combining certain desired quali- 

 ties. 



This is a most fascinating field of study and experiment, one 

 that has as yet been but very partially explored, and that offers to 

 the Canadian fruit grower the opportunity of producing varieties of 

 fruit adapted to our own peculiar climate that shall far surpass the 

 majority of those now in cultivation. Hardy apples that shall 

 thrive in the harsh climate of our colder sections and yield fruit 

 of high flavor, are yet sought after, not only by the fruit planters 

 of our Dominion, but by the dwellers in all the north-western 

 United States. The present boimdaries of successful pear cul- 

 ture are yet to be greatly enlarged by the production of new 

 varieties of superior hardihood. Wild grape vines are found 

 growing in far colder parts of our land than are now thought to 

 be available for the production of our cultivated varieties, but 

 needing the touch of no magician's wand to change their austere 

 fruit into a luxury for the table. The blackberry, raspberry, 

 blueberry, whortleberry, cranberry, and all the host of small 

 fruits, only await the skilful employment of nature's own laws 

 to be changed into new forms, with new characters, properties 

 and flavors. 



It is true that there are causes which influence the production 

 of new varieties of fruit, more subtle, and perhaps therefore less 

 easUy directed and controlled by man, than those which affect 

 the production of choice breeds of animals ; but this is only 

 saying that the labyrinths of vegetable reproduction have not yet 

 been aU threaded, and that there are discoveries stiU to be made, 

 and great rewards to crown the patient student. Ifature loves 

 to unfold her mysteries to those who will take the pains to watch 

 her operations ; and while availing ourselves of what we know, 

 we may confidently expect to attain to such fuller knowledge as 

 .shall enable us to produce at wiU the qualities we desire. As it 



