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The power of the horticulturist extends only to 

 the multiplying excellent varieties by grafting. They 

 cannot be rendered permanent; and the good fruits at 

 present in our gardens, are the produce of a few seed- 

 lings, selected probably from hundred of thousands ; 

 the results of great labour and industry, and multipli- 

 ed experiments. 



The larger and thicker the leaves of a seedling, 

 and the more expanded its blossoms, the more it is 

 likely to produce a good variety of fruit. Short- 

 leaved trees should never be selected ; for these ap- 

 proach nearer to the original standard ; whereas the 

 other qualities indicate the influence of cultivation. 



In the general selection of seeds, it would appear 

 that those arising from the most highly cultivated va- 

 rieties of plants, are such as give the most vigorous 

 produce ; but it is necessary from time to time to 

 change, and as it were, to cross the breed. 



By applying the pollen, or dust of the stamina 

 from one variety to the pistil of another of the same 

 species, a new variety may be easily produced ; and 

 Mr. Knight's experiments seem to warrant the idea^ 

 that great advantages may be derived from this 

 method of propagation. 



Mr. Knight's large peas produced by crossing 

 two varieties, are celebrated amongst horticulturists, 

 and will, I hope, soon be cultivated by farmers. 



I have seen several of his crossed apples, which 

 promise to rival the best of those which are gradually 

 dying away in the cyder countries. 



