APPENDIX 89 



secondly, whether the pollen is in a condition to effect fertili- 

 zation. 



The pistils are, as a rule, not ready for fertilization until the 

 flower has been fully out for a day or two. They will then 

 have attained their full growth, and will be found covered with 

 minute hairs, which retain and utilize the pollen. It is but 

 waste of time to attempt to fertilize pistils that are not thus 

 covered. The pistils remain sensitive to the pollen until the 

 flower is past its best or has even begun to fade. 



The pollen is ready for use the instant the pollen cells 

 crowning the stamens open, and the sooner it is used the better. 

 It is, however, above all things essential that it should be 

 absolutely dry. It is of little or no use to attempt fertilization 

 in damp weather or when the pollen comes from the stamens 

 on to the brush " cloggy " or lumpy. It is at its best when it 

 comes away in a fine, impalpable powder. The hotter and 

 brighter the weather the more certain will be the fertilization 

 of the flower, and it stands to reason therefore that no shading 

 should be used, and that the middle of the day is the best time 

 to select. 



The pollen very rapidly deteriorates, and even by the second 

 day will be often found to have turned yellow and to adhere 

 to the brush in lumps. It is then useless for purposes of 

 fertilization. 



The maturity of the generative organs differs greatly in all 

 varieties. In some perhaps the majority the male organs 

 the stamens are ready first ; in others the pistils or female 

 organs. Again, in some few maturity is almost simultaneous, 

 and from such varieties the hybridizer is apt, unless very careful, 

 to collect and sow seed " self fertilized," with a very disap- 

 pointing result to follow. 



Mrs. Reynolds Hole is an instance of this tendency. It has 

 a pendulous habit. The pistils ripen early, and the moment 

 the pollen stamens open the pollen falls on the pistils and the 

 mischief is done. 



When the flower is crossed a small label should be attached 

 to it, giving the date and the name of the pollen used. If the 

 fertilization has been successful, it will be found on the second 



