THE APRICOT 269 



Doubtless this work might be carried forward 

 much more rapidly if we had a clearer knowledge 

 as to what the precise anatomical conditions are 

 that are associated with extreme sensitiveness of 

 the blossoms. 



We know that some blossoms (those of certain 

 Japanese plums, for example) may retain their 

 fertility even when subjected to freezing tem- 

 perature ; being able to live even through snow 

 storms, in contrast to the apricot blossoms which 

 fall under influence of the lightest frost. 



But no elaborate studies have been made to de- 

 termine whether this difference is associated with 

 anatomical differences of structure, the knowl- 

 edge of which might guide the plant developer. 



That such differences really exist is suggested 

 by the observed fact that the leaves of very hardy 

 varieties of apples, for example those grown in 

 Siberia, have exceptionally deep layers of epi- 

 dermal cells to give protection to the less hardy 

 cells that make up the bulk of the leaf. Possibly 

 some similar modification of the cells may ac- 

 count for the resistant quality of blossoms that 

 are observed to be able to withstand frost. 



THE MICROSCOPE MAY HELP 



If such is really the case, the microscopist 

 might come to the aid of the practical fruit 



