106 THE SEED-GROWER. 



variety; (b) hybridization, or crossing between two dis- 

 tinct species, which must be so nearly allied as to 

 possess an affinity for each other, otherwise a cross can- 

 not be effected. 



Selection. Broadly speaking, selection is based on 

 the natural tendency of all plants (animals too) to vary; 

 these variations being induced chiefly by environment 

 and excess of food supply. Darwin defines it as l i the 

 law of the preservation of the favorable differences and 

 variations, and the destruction of those which are in- 

 jurious." Another writer, Webber, says: " It consists 

 in the skillful selection and propagation of plants show- 

 ing desirable variations. ' ' 



As generally practiced, a great number of seedlings 

 of a particular variety are specially grown or examina- 

 tions are made of different fields of seedlings of the 

 same variety. If a plant is found in a lot of these 

 seedlings which approaches closely to the ideal of the 

 plant pictured in the mind, that plant is chosen or 

 selected, and its seeds saved. 



To properly do this, it must be removed to a spot 

 away from other plants so that it may seed by itself, or 

 all the other seedlings should be destroyed. The seeds 

 saved are sown the next season, and in the numerous 

 seedlings which will result, there may be found a 

 plant bearing a still stronger resemblance to the ideal 

 character sought for. As before, this particular plant 

 is selected, its seed saved and sown the following sea- 

 son. Selection is then made from its seedlings of an 

 improvement that may show over the previous season's 

 plant. Seeds are saved, and again and again, if neces- 

 sary, the operation is repeated, till at last patience and 

 persistence are rewarded and the ideal plant is bred. 



It is perceived that the success of the operation was 



