142 Elementary Principles of Agriculture 



be removed before the pollen is mature. (Fig. 85.) In 

 the flowers of wheat, oats, peas, and some grapes, polli- 

 nation takes place before the flowers open; hence, in such 

 plants it is necessary to remove the anthers very early. 



Fig. 85. Buds or "squares" of cotton. 1. Flower-bud nearly ready to open; 

 2, parts removed to expose the stamens; 3, stamens removed to prevent 

 self-pollination. After Hartley, United States Department of Agriculture. 



After the anthers have been removed, the stigma should 

 be protected from chance-flying pollen by covering the 

 flower with a paper bag. The sack may be removed 

 when the pollen is to be placed on the stigma. The latter 

 may be accomplished by a clean, moistened finger, 

 camel's-hair brush, or other means suited to the plants 

 in hand. For success in artificial cross-pollination, one 

 should fully understand the structure and habits of 

 flowers in both parents. 



212. The Hybrid Seedlings. The seedlings from hybrid 

 seed should be closely observed. Out of a great number 

 of individuals, only a few, possibly none, will possess the 

 desired characters. Even though none are found, it is 

 often desirable to grow their seed in the same way for the 

 desired form may appear in the second generation. 



