72 FARM AND SCHOOL PROBLEMS. 



How to Pollinate. 



Breeding is accomplished by sifting the pollen of one plant 

 upon the stigma of another plant and is called pollination. When 

 this results in fertilization nature may bring forth a new plant. 

 There may be many failures. 



Let the beginner provide himself with a pair of jeweler's for- 

 ceps or pincers, a small but powerful microscope, a pair of scis- 

 sors, a sharp knife, a saucer or watch-crystal for holding the 

 pollen, a soft brush for sifting or dusting the pollen from the 

 saucer or watch-crystal to the stigma. 



The pollen may be placed upon the stigma with the finger- 

 tips. The fertilizing must be thoroughly done. Some flowers 

 are difficult to pollinate. It may be necessary to cut away sta- 

 mens, petals and sepals to keep insects from being attracted and 

 protected by the flower. It is therefore not necessary to cover the 

 flower that is pollinated for in many cases covering may result 

 in more harm than good. 



The flower should be isolated from its fellows and carefully 

 guarded. When the bees are upon the flowers it is a good in- 

 dication that the flower is ready to be pollinated. 



Luther Burbank is quoted as saying that there is no barrier 

 to obtaining fruits of any size, form or flavor desired and none 

 to producing plants and flowers of any form, color or fragrance. 

 All that is needed is a knowledge to guide our efforts in the 

 right direction, undeviating, patient and cultivated eyes to detect 

 variations of values. 



AN EXPERIMENT WITH CORN. 



Select varieties of the type desired that have been grown in 

 the same locality for a number of years. See that the varieties 

 are pure. Get varieties that will mature and shed the pollen at 

 about the same time. 



In most plants fertilization takes place before we can deter- 

 mine the relative value of the plants. It is therefore necessary to 

 make careful selections before planting. A good method for 

 eliminating the effects of crossing with inferior individuals is to 

 save part of the ear, that has been selected, for the following 



