JUNE. 277 



the anthers are found close to the stigma, and at the base of 

 the style the rudiments of the ovaries may be observed. 

 Does fertilization take place before the opening of the corolla, 

 or more probably not till after the solar rays have produced 

 certain effects on the organs of fructification ? Are the an- 

 thers of the same flower sufficient for the fertilization of the 

 pistillum without the assistance of other flowers, or perhaps 

 the flowers of other trees, the pollen of which may be depos- 

 ited by bees or flies ? 



The minute examination of these questions is of impor- 

 tance, and will lead to a knowledge of the mode in which 

 artificial fecundation may be effected in certain circumstances, 

 and of the precautions necessary to be taken. Perhaps in 

 this way more certain results may be obtained in regard to 

 obtaining long-keeping varieties, an endeavor which ought 

 to receive the particular attention of those who engage in 

 raising varieties of fruit from seed. 



Seedling varieties of pears vary infinitely in successive 

 generations. This truth is being continually proved by ocu- 

 lar demonstration. There is another principle connected with 

 the above, which is, the more a type has entered into a state 

 of variation, the greater is its tendency to continue doing so, 

 and the more it has varied from the original type, the more it 

 is disposed to vary still farther. 



Certain latitudes and influences of climate are doubtless 

 more favorable than others for obtaining good results as re- 

 gards the pear and other fruit trees ; but the investigation of 

 these would lead us too far from the principal subject. 



It is rare to see two identical varieties produced from seed 

 of the same variety. It is even a well-established fact that 

 the seeds taken from the same fruit produce varieties so dis- 

 tinct in wood, leaves, and fruit that no resemblance to their 

 common origin can be traced. This fact proves to a certain 

 extent that the bees and flies play an important part in the 

 fertilization of the pistil. It is therefore important, that in a 

 garden where experiments in raising new sorts are carried on, 

 no varieties should exist except those that are of first-rate qual- 

 ity ; and that the collection should be as far distant as possible 



