RAISING NEW VARIETIES. 195 



some and we do not have wind and rain to 

 contend with. Whenever possible, choose a 

 clear day, and operate in the morning, so 

 that the flowers can be exposed to the influ- 

 ence of the sun immediately after they have 

 been fertilized. The flower selected for a 

 female parent should have the stamens care- 

 fully removed by means of a fine pair of em- 

 broidery scissors, a few hours before the 

 pollen is ripe. Should the pollen be quite 

 ripe, some of it is likely to have fallen on the 

 pistils and a perfect cross could not then be 

 assured. If, on the other hand, it be not 

 nearly matured, the pistils are not in proper 

 condition to be fertilized. In such a variety 

 as General Jacqueminot, the stamens should 

 be removed three or four hours before the 

 flower would expand. The petals are then to 

 be gently pulled off, and the stamens cut 

 away. The pollen is then applied to the 

 pistils by carrying to them the flower of the 

 fertilizing sort and gently rubbing them with 

 the stamens holding the pollen, so that the 

 pistils are well covered. If preferred, a fine 

 camel's-hair brush may be used for the pur- 

 pose of applying the pollen. The pollen 

 must be quite ripe ; if it does not attach it- 

 self readily to the brush it is not yet in fit 

 condition for use. Those varieties which 



