328 LUTHER BURBANK 



diversity in minor characteristics. The bark and 

 leaves varied extensively among the different 

 hybrids; on some trees the buds were round and 

 plump, and on others long and sharp. Many of 

 the trees produced somewhat abundant blossoms, 

 and the individual blossoms varied widely in color 

 and in size. 



But there were other trees that produced no 

 blossoms whatever under any circumstances. 



These would form great clusters of buds, but 

 instead of bursting into flowers the buds would 

 drop off and later ordinary branches would come 

 out in their stead. 



In the case of buds already opened to form 

 flowers, the blossoms not only varied as to size 

 and color, but they showed the most astonishing 

 diversity as to their essential fructifying organs. 

 Some of the blossoms had numerous pistils and 

 no stamens. Others had numerous stamens and 

 no pistils. In yet other cases there were blos- 

 soms having stamens and pistils, but absolutely 

 without petals. 



In no case was fruit formed. The blossoms one 

 and all were sterile. 



An attempt was made to fructify the blossoms 

 by pollenizing them with pollen from each of the 

 parents. But this effort was futile. The ovaries 

 were seemingly incapable of maturing. 



