36 THE HYBRIDIZATION OF THE 



easily susceptible of continued mutations, I have preferred hybrids for 

 bearing the seed ; and in the selection of the flower to be impregnated, I 

 have had special reference to the- strength and prominence of the style, the 

 form of the corolla, and the perfection of its petals; and, I think, for raising 

 varieties with double flowers, we are more dependent, than has generally 

 , been apprehended, on the kind of pollen used ; viz. that ichich is borne on a 

 petal ; this petaloid change being, as I- imagine, the incipient stage towards 

 a full petalous form. I entertain the opinion, that varieties possessing the 

 pre-requisites thus described, when fecundated with this pollen, will, for the 

 most part, produce double seedlings, with petals more or less multiplied, 

 and not unfreqiiently, flowers that are full and symmetrical, and devoid 

 even of the seminal organs. It may be here observed, that the larger and 

 better developed this petaloid anther, the better the chance for a fine 

 offspring, for, as Mr. Herbert remarks, " the corolla, in truth, belongs to the 

 male portion of the flower, the anthers being borne upon it, or in some 

 manner connected with it by a membrane." 



That single or semi-double sorts with perfect coiiollas, are more certain 

 to produce flowers of a regular symmetrical formation, I have pretty 

 conclusive evidence, as will presently be shown; still, I have had good 

 success with those raised from the paeony, or loose waratah formation, but 

 the proportion of such has been less ; and these have been more frequently 

 stuffed with smaU petals, or their rudiments. This opinion, in relation to 

 the latter class, I am happy to learn, is confirmed by the experience of Noel 

 J. Becar, Esq., of Brooklyn, N. Y., who, practising on these principles, 

 has produced several fine varieties from C Middlemist, C. Colvillii, C. 

 imbricata alba, &c., one of which, of first rate properties, from C. Colvillii, 

 by C. Donkselarii, was on exhibition at the rooms of the Society the past 

 winter. 



In corroboration of what has been stated, I adduce the following illus- 

 trations taken from my own memoranda ; remarking, however, that the 

 offspring from the same capsule has varied much, although in my judgment 

 conforming to the principles advanced. 



HYBRIDS FROM SEEDS OF SINGLE VARIETIES. 

 From the Single Ked, (the type of the genus,) by pollen of C. punctata. 



Camellia Richardsonii, a very full lilac crimson flower, with sixty to seventy petals, of 

 the regular form. 



Camellia Maria Louisa, perfectly double and regular, sometimes hexangular, like C. 

 Lady Hume ; color deep rose, or crimson, with a peculiar metallic lustre. 



Camellia Wilderii, thus described in the Transactions of the Society : " flower delicate 

 clear rose ; petals seventyfive to eighty in number, beautifully imbricated and arranged 

 with exquisite regularity." 



From a large single hybrid crimson, by C. Lindbriata, a very full perfect flower, of the 

 color of the female parent, much like C. concinna in form, but more double. 



