&ECT. 111= HYBRIDS. 30Q 



males, the example is not quite satisfactory. Such 

 a production is perhaps possible, and further expe- 

 riments may probably ascertain the fact^ but it 

 seems to be a matter of mere curiosity, and not 

 apparently connected with any views of utility. 

 But the utility of the experiments, in as far as they 

 show the practicability of improving the species, is 

 very obvious. And the ameliorating effect is the 

 same whether by the male or female ; as was ascer- 

 tained by impregnating the largest and most luxu- 

 riant plants with the pollen of the most diminutive 

 and dwarfish, or the contrary. By which means 

 any number of varieties rnay be obtained, accord- 

 ing to the will of the experimenter, amongst whiqh 

 some will no doubt be suited to all soils and situ- 

 ations. Mr. Knight's experiments of this kind 

 were extended also to wheat ; but not with equal 

 success. For though some very good varieties 

 were obtained, yet they were found not to be per- 

 manent. 



But the success of his experiments on the Apple- Improve- 

 tree were equal to his hopes. This was indeed his f ru i ts . 

 principal object, and no means of obtaining a suc- 

 cessful issue were left untried. The plants which 

 were obtained in this case were found to possess the 

 good qualities of both of the varieties employed, 

 uniting the greatest health and luxuriance, with 

 the finest and best flavoured 1 fruit.* 



* Phil. Trans. 17.0J.J. 

 VOL. II. 2 B 



