FLOWERS. 33 



as in a2?ples^ pears^ jpltims^ cherries^ &c., the flowers vary 

 but slightly in form and color, and the difi^erences are only 

 taken note of in very full and minute scientific descrip- 

 tions. A few cases, however, are well marked, as the 

 Jargonelle pear, the flowers of which are nearly twice as 

 large as most others. 



In connection with the flowers it may be proper to ex 

 plain the important process of 



Ilijbridizatimi. — This is performed by fertilizing the 

 pistil of one species or variety with pollen from the 

 stamens of another. The seeds produced by the flower so 

 impregnated will produce a cross or hybrid between the 

 two parents. This process is now well understood, and is 

 carried on to a wonderful extent, especially in the pro- 

 duction of new flowers. Comparatively few of our popu- 

 lar fruits have been produced in this way. A few good 

 sorts have been produced by the late Mr. Knight, a dis- 

 tinguished English experimentalist, who effected much in 

 his time towards establishing many difficult and disputed 

 points in vegetable physiology. Nearly all the native 

 fruits of this country are accidental hybrids. A vast deal 

 may be done to improve, in this way, all our fniits. 

 The size, hardiness, and productiveness of one variety 

 may be combined Avith the delicacy of texture and flavor 

 of another, and endless variations and improvements may 

 be effected. To obtain a true hybrid certain precautions 

 are necessary. The two subjects selected must flower at 

 the same time. The stamens must be carefully removed 

 from the one intended for the mother, without injuiy to 

 the stigma. It must also be guarded from accidental im- 

 pregnation by other varieties, and the pollen from the 

 selected male be applied at the proper moment, that is, 

 when it bursts from the anther. Hybridization is only 

 possible between species closely related,, for although there 

 is a relation between the apjyle and the j)eai\ and between 

 2* 



