HYBKIDIZING AND CROSSING. 75 



True hybrids are generally forced productions, but 

 cross fertilizing is constantly going on naturally among 

 nearly all cultivated plants. 



During the last few y?ars many new varieties of 

 grapes have been brought to notice that are claimed to 

 be true hybrids, and; doubtless, many of them are ; but 

 it is to be regretted, for the cause of science, that nearly 

 all of these are, in part, a mixture of the varieties of 

 Vitis labrusca, or its direct offspring ; for of all the 

 known native species, this is the most variable, produc- 

 ing, of itself, without being fertilized by other species or 

 varieties, almost every conceivable shape, color and qual- 

 ity of fruit, as well as a great variety in leaf, stem and 

 growth. 



I think that I may safely assert that until some 

 other varieties and species have been operated upon than 

 those heretofore employed, but little reliance can be 

 placed upon the assertions that are constantly being 

 made about this or that grape being a true hybrid. 



We know that plants in a state of nature generally 

 perpetuate their kinds and varieties with great uni- 

 formity. Yet a slight change is sometimes observed, 

 and it has been upon these variations that pomologists 

 and florists have mainly depended, as the starting-point 

 from which they produce their innumerable varieties. 



The effect produced, by change of soil and climate, 

 upon plants, when removed from their native habitats, 

 has long been observed, and their variations turned to 

 valuable account. Although these changes have been 

 slow, yet by their careful selection and preservation we are 

 indebted for most of the valuable fruits and flowers now 

 in cultivation. 



When plants are removed from one country to 

 another, and become acclimated, the effects of this change 

 will sometimes show itself in the seedlings grown from 

 them, in a distinct and wonderful manner, so much so 



