FLOWER POSSIBILITIES 223 



Even if the first-generation seedling of such a 

 cross does not give you just the combination you 

 are seeking, the second-generation offspring or a 

 subsequent one are almost sure to reveal some 

 plants that meet your expectations. 



So your simple experiments that began by 

 mere selection will probably lead you to experi- 

 ments in crossbreeding. 



THE Two BASIC ELEMENTS 







Thus by natural stages you will have learned 

 how to handle the essential tools of the plant 

 developer. You will have learned that the two 

 forces of heredity and environment are every- 

 where operative, and must everywhere be your 

 sole dependence. But you will have learned also 

 that your wishes become an important part of 

 the environment, when you determine which 

 flowers shall be permitted to reproduce their 

 kind; and that you also take a hand at deter- 

 mining the line of action of hereditary tend- 

 encies when you cross-pollinate the flowers, 

 and decide which strains of heredity shall be 

 blended. 



Let me in concluding this preliminary chapter 

 name two or three common flowers with which 

 the amateur may advantageously begin his 

 work in selective breeding. 



