4 IMPROVEMENT OF THE APPLE. 



principles, so that, for economy of space, the subject may be 

 referred to again when necessary without repetition. 



HYBRIDIZATION. Very little attention has ever been given to 

 the production of new varieties of the Apple by crossing, or 

 hybridization ; a method which, in the case of some other fruits, 

 has resulted in very marked progress in the improvement of 

 varieties. Perhaps it may be of interest to those experimentally 

 inclined in this direction to describe the process. This is per- 

 formed by taking two flowers (and the process is the same with 

 all fruits) of desirable varieties, as, one a strong, rampant 

 grower, while the other produces fruit of remarkable quality; 

 removing the stamens from one flower before it opens, and, 

 after this operation, inclosing it in a fine gauze bag. When the 

 pistil of this flower is in the proper condition, i. e., when the end 

 of the stigma is covered with a viscid fluid, the pollen from the 

 other flower is applied to its surface, and then again inclosed in 

 the bag, until certain that fertilization has taken place. 



SELECTION. Another method which promises good results is 

 that of selection; that is, by sowing the most perfectly developed 

 seed of the best varieties. By either of the above methods, there 

 is but little incentive to the production of new varieties of Apples 

 or Pears, on account of the long time required to produce fruit 

 and to test its value in many localities, and the small money value 

 in a new variety to the originator. Whatever is done in this 

 line must be done for posterity and from a love of the work, but, 

 I believe, there are great possibilities of improvement in the 

 future in the light of the improvement of the past. 



The best results have always come from the use of the most 

 hardy native kinds, although the introduction of new blood, as it 

 is called, is often marked by a wonderful improvement in the 

 progeny. If a variety has marked failings, they are liable to be 

 transmitted, although, in some cases, they may be overcome or 

 covered up by the strong or valuable qualities of the other parent 

 in the case of hybridization. 



IMPORTANT QUALITIES. The qualities that are most important 

 in a new variety are: Hardiness, vigor of growth, productiveness, and 

 Jine quality. Without the three first, the last quality is of little 

 consequence ; because, with the people, cheap fruit in abundance 

 is the great want, and will add greatly to their health and, con- 

 sequently, to their happiness. 



