76 THE GRAPE CULTURIST. 



that some are inclined to think that it is the result of 

 accidental hybridization. These phenomena lead many 

 to believe that they have a hybrid variety, when it is 

 only a variation produced by natural causes. 



If we have a number of fruits which reproduce 

 themselves without variation, it is not positive proof that 

 they are distinct species. But it only goes to show that 

 the natural forces of the plants are perfectly balanced. 



We see this principle fully illustrated in the differ- 

 ent breeds of cattle, sheep, etc, which are descendants of 

 an original species, but are now divided into breeds, as 

 they are termed, each of which perpetuates its distinctive 

 features, unless some disturbing cause is allowed to 

 interfere with their natural characteristics. 



The case is very similar with plants ; for we often 

 possess varieties that have all their functions so fixed 

 and balanced that they reproduce themselves from seed, 

 generation after generation, if not disturbed by being 

 brought into close contact with other and different varie- 

 ties of the same species, or by a too great change of soil, 

 culture or climate. But when there has been a disturb- 

 ance of these forces, either by hybridizing or cultivation, 

 and the functions of generation have been disarranged, 

 then variation begins, and it becomes difficult to decide 

 whether hybridizing may or may not have produced this 

 change. 



Suppose we fertilize the Concord grape with the 

 Sweet Water, and the result is a white variety ; would 

 the simple fact of its being white be a proof that hybrid- 

 izing had been accomplished ? No, not at all ; for there 

 have been plenty of white varieties raised from the sesd 

 of the Concord, without its being brought in contact 

 with any white kind. I have, myself, raised many white 

 varieties of the grape, from both red and white parent- 

 age, without any attempt having 'been made at cross 

 fertilizing, the change in color being due to the natural 

 variation, or the effect of cultivation. 



