54 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 



deep^ others pale ro<;p, and some almost white; two 

 or three v.irietie> of the peacli have flowers wholly- 

 white, as the Snow Veach., for instance. In all the other 

 fruits, as in apples^ pears, plrnns^ cherries, etc., the flowers 

 vary bnt slightly in form 

 and color, and the difler- 

 encesare only taken note of 

 in very fidl and minute 

 scientific descriptions. A 

 few cases, however, are well 



Fig. 40, ia"rj,e' flower of the peach; Fig. marked, as the Jargovelle 

 41, small flower of the peach. jiear, the flowers of which 



are nearly twice as large as those of most other pears. 



In connection with the flowers, it may be proper to ex- 

 plain the important process of 



Tlyhridization. — 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 ])roduce 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 betn produced in this way. A few good 

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

 guished English experimentalist, who effected much in his 

 time towards establishing many diflicult and disputed 

 points in vegetable physiology. Nearly all the native 

 fruits of this country are accidental hybrils, or seedlings. 

 A vast deal may be done to improve, in this way, all our 

 fruits. The size, hardiness, and productiveness of one 

 variety may be combined with the delicacy of texture and 

 flavor of another, a-id endless variations and improvements 

 may be effl'cted. To obtain a true hybrid, certain precau- 

 tions 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 injury to 



