PLANT BREEDING IN CANADA. 



131 



covered by replacing the inner coating of chaff in its natural position. After 

 the removal of the stamens from a sufficient number of selected flowers all 

 other portions of the head are torn off and rejected. 



Having previously collected heads of the variety or species which is to 

 serve as the male, flowers are sought which contain anthers fully matured and 

 covered with pollen, when the individual flowers prepared for fertilization are 

 opened again in succession, and the soft, feathery pistil is gently touched with 



Spikelet of wheat with the glumes in front, turned down, exposing the three stamens 

 and two-branched pistil. (Enlarged four diameters.) 



one or more of the pollen-bearing anthers from the other variety until a 

 perceptible quantity of the fertilizing powder has been applied, when the 

 flower case is again closed. After all the flowers in a prepared head have 

 been operated on it is wrapped in thin paper, so secured by tying as to pre- 

 vent the possibility of access of other pollen. As a further precaution, the 

 covered head is then tied to a piece of stick or bamboo cane, where it remains 



