THE CAMASSIA 267 



But others grew bulbs of enormous size. Even 

 to one who is accustomed to observe the striking 

 variations that are produced through hybridiza- 

 tion, it was surprising to see the extraordinary 

 impetus given to the bulbs of the camassia by the 

 union of different species. 



The bulbs of the common edible species, C. 

 esculenta, are relatively insignificant, usually 

 growing about one-half to three-quarters of an 

 inch in diameter. The C. Cusickii produces the 

 largest bulb of all, but it is large only in a relative 

 sense, being usually little over an inch in diameter 

 and two inches in length. 



But among the second generation hybrids 

 were some that produced bulbs three and a 

 half inches across and four or even five inches 

 in length. 



The difference was about that between an 

 English walnut and a large turnip. 



In viewing these gigantic bulbs, sprung thus 

 from dwarf ancestors, one was reminded of the 

 gigantic hybrid walnut trees that came of the 

 union of Persian and California walnuts ; of the 

 mammoth Phenomenal berry ; of the Giant Ama- 

 ryllis; and of sundry other hybrids that were 

 stimulated to excessive growth of stem or fruit or 

 flower by the union of parents of just the right 

 degree of affinity. 



